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What The Loss Of Biodiversity Really Means To Us
from:There has been a rapid loss of biodiversity due to the huge increase in populations and the ongoing consumption of natural resources to support those increased numbers of people. This has caused a vast depletion and/or loss of the goods and services on which we depend for sustenance.
There are many reasons the loss of biodiversity occurs. Some are natural, such as changes in climate. Others, such as deforestation or the contamination of lakes, are caused by humans.
The economic context of civilization, with its ill-thought-out policies, its squabbles over land, water and air rights, and the use and abuse of the resources we have is the largest culprit, although there is some degree of loss due to nature itself. Even a country like the United States has no unified policy, just a hodgepodge of Federal and local restrictions which often conflict with themselves and each other. Agencies fight literal turf wars to have their pet projects approved, and projects of other agencies defeated. The boondoggles and delays only further the loss of biodiversity, by preventing funds from being allocated and actions being taken that would combat the destruction of precious natural resources.
Greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major source of global warming are a prime cause of the loss of biodiversity. Global warming is expected to contribute to the earth eventually becoming uninhabitable by most of the species of plants and animals that now exist. Already, the polar ice caps are beginning to melt, with accompanying rises in sea levels. Concurrently, smaller inland seas, such as the Aral Sea, are evaporating due to changes in atmospheric temperature, seepage from irrigation channels, and changes in the composition of the water itself, which destroy the life they formerly supported.
Another facet of the problem is that, aside from environmental groups and the government agencies they prod into action, many people have very little awareness of the impact they make on biodiversity. Yes, recycling has been made into law in many places, but there are other actions people can choose, which they can turn into habits fairly quickly, that would go a long way to preserving resources and energy. Taking shorter showers, using a plain old fan or a ceiling fan instead of air-conditioning when possible, bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store, riding a bike instead of driving for local errands – all of these contribute to preserving the resources we depend on.
In the long-run, loss of biodiversity will be much more costly to both the planet and the human race than the short-term loss of profits needed to implement measures to preserve it.
Biodiversity Economic News
Step Up Efforts to Protect Biodiversity - Molewa - AllAfrica.com
 Times LIVE | Step Up Efforts to Protect Biodiversity - Molewa AllAfrica.com Speaking at the launch of the National Biodiversity Assessment 2011 report, during International Day for Biodiversity celebrations at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Molewa said biodiversity was the basis for human and socio-economic development. SA wetlands under threat |
Overfishing will result in disappearance of fish species in 50 years: Official - The Hindu
 haveeruonline | Overfishing will result in disappearance of fish species in 50 years: Official The Hindu Addressing a function organised in connection with the International Day for Biological Diversity, Mr. Farooqui said beyond the exclusive economic zone, everyone seemed to be exploiting the marine biodiversity and nobody was taking responsibility for ... Biodiversity: we must take action now Celebrating Biodiversity Rapid biodiversity loss continues in absence of political action and accurate ... |
Meghalaya pledges to protect biodiversity - Assam Tribune
Meghalaya pledges to protect biodiversity Assam Tribune SHILLONG, May 23 – Meghalaya yesterday pledged to protect its threatened biodiversity both for ecological as well as economic security. The pledge was made while celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity here at the U Soso Tham ... |
India to soon take the lead in biodiversity conservation - Hindu Business Line
 The Hindu | India to soon take the lead in biodiversity conservation Hindu Business Line With a 7500-km coastline, conserving marine habitat and biodiversity represents a huge economic benefit. India will identify schemes where conservation and development converge. In rural employment guarantee scheme, jobs such as watershed management, ... Need for biodiversity conservation |
WWF: Canadians Must Choose Environment and Economy for Strong Future - MarketWatch (press release)
 msnbc.com | WWF: Canadians Must Choose Environment and Economy for Strong Future MarketWatch (press release) This trend is putting tremendous pressures on our planet's biodiversity and is threatening our future security, health and well-being. The correlated decline in biodiversity threatens not only the balance of our ecosystems, but economic opportunities. Earth in Major Resource Overdraft – WWF's Living Planet Report 2012 Only global poverty can save the planet, insists WWF - and the ESA! Earth 'going downhill' as consumption rises, report says |