Loss of Biodiversity and Extinctions

Biodiversity is the variety of species, their genetic make-up, and the natural communities in which they occur. The benefits and services provided by them include:

»  Generation of soils and maintenance of soil quality

»  Maintenance of air quality

»  Maintenance of water quality

»  Pest control

»  Detoxification and decomposition of wastes

»  Pollination and crop production

»  Climate stabilization

»  Prevention and mitigation of natural disasters

»  Provision of food security

»  Provision of health care

»  Income generation

»  Spiritual / cultural value

Even though they're vital to everyday life, it is feared that human's actions is causing many extinctions. If it continues, one-third to two-thirds of all species of plants, animals, and other organisms will be lost during the second half of the next century.

A huge report known as the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, started in 2000, was released in March 2005. Besides many warnings for humankind, it noted that there has been a large irreversible loss in the diversity of life on Earth, and all due to human actions!

According to another study, over a million species will be lost in the coming 50 years!

How to prevent extinction?

» Conserve Habitats

» Make Space For Our Wildlife

» Recycle, Reduce, And Reuse

» Plant Native Plants That Are Local To The Area

» Control Introduced Plants And Animals

» Make Your Voice Heard

Sources: http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions#MassiveExtinctionsFromHumanActivity

http://www.pabiodiversity.org/whatisbiodiversity.html

http://www.undp.org/biodiversity/biodiversitycd/bioImport.htm

http://www.aboutextinction.com/prevent-extinction.php