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Facts About Biodiversity Article
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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.
Facts About Biodiversity News
Google Mapping Tool Shows Impacts of Deforestation on Indonesia's Sumatra Island - Albany Times Union
Google Mapping Tool Shows Impacts of Deforestation on Indonesia's Sumatra Island Albany Times Union ... the public to visualize Sumatra's forests and wildlife such as rhinos, tigers, elephants and orangutan, providing vital information in the race to protect forests, save some of the world's most important biodiversity and help local communities. |
Why a top 10 new species list? - Newswise (press release)
 New York Daily News | Why a top 10 new species list? Newswise (press release) Perhaps most obvious is environmental: Unless we know what species exist to begin with, we are powerless to detect, track or mitigate losses of biodiversity,” said Wheeler. “Another is biomimetics, turning to species for clues about new and sustainable ... Top 10 new species list draws attention to diverse biosphere |
Online atlas that puts people in the picture about Abu Dhabi - The National
 The National | Online atlas that puts people in the picture about Abu Dhabi The National ABU DHABi // A new online atlas provides information on the history, geography, culture and biodiversity of the capital through videos and graphics. The atlas is an evolution of the hard copy developed by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (Ead) in ... |
Guest Commentary: The Biodiversity Conservation Alliance protects wild bighorn ... - Denver Post
Guest Commentary: The Biodiversity Conservation Alliance protects wild bighorn ... Denver Post By Duane Short In her May 6, 2012 opinion piece, Sharon O'Toole makes wild-eyed accusations that the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance is opposed to the agriculture industry and against her sheep in particular. But the facts are clear — BCA is simply ... |
Report: Global biodiversity down 30 percent in 40 years - msnbc.com
 msnbc.com | Report: Global biodiversity down 30 percent in 40 years msnbc.com By Stephanie Pappas Senior Writer The world's biodiversity is down 30 percent since the 1970s, according to a new report, with tropical species taking the biggest hit. And if humanity continues as it has been, the picture could get bleaker. Global biodiversity has fallen 30 percent in 40 years, the new report says. |