From Evolution To Extinction: Hurtling Towards A Natural Imbalance

From Evolution To Extinction: Hurtling Towards A Natural Imbalance


A new study published in renowned journal Science has found that the current rate at which species are becoming extinct is as much as 1,000 times more than their natural rate, based on research conducted from fossil record and genetic data for a period of millions of years. Scientists from the Center for Biological Diversity have conducted research pertaining to the rapid rate of extinction of many species from this planet.

The massive rise in the rate of extinction is caused due to massive human population growth. With a population that is growing at such a fast pace that natural habitats are being lost and increased consumption is destroying nature's natural balance, it is not surprising that this rapid rate of extinction has been noted. What is even more disturbing is the link between the extinctions and climate change. With uncontrolled global warming and pollution levels, it is only a matter of time before the natural balance will be lost irrevocably.

This study also confirms that species are going extinct at an unprecedented pace which has never been seen in nearly tens of millions of years. If a global cooling caused the extinction of dinosaurs, rest assured the current cause of species extinction is undoubtedly humans. As per the findings of Noah Greenwald who is the endangered species director with the Center for Biological Diversity, we have degraded the ecosystems and triggered this imbalance.

Noah's Ark had a vast variety of species, but now all because of human beings, earth will now see the extinction speed up at a rapid pace. The loss of species will have drastic consequences for all of us. Not one region in this world will be spared. Some may suffer more, others less. But that does not change the fact that climate change will affect all in some way or another.

The extinction of species will degrade the ecosystems and damage sources of air and water. Food will become contaminated and medicines will no longer work. And it does not need a crystal ball to know this. Scientists are providing facts and numbers which speak for themselves. Those who believe in cold, hard facts could consider the recent cold wave Western nations suffered or the unnatural rainfall that caused the flooding in the Balkans. How about the El Nino effect which causes droughts and drop in ocean surface temperatures? In such a scenario, one wonders how senators and experts have the gumption to argue against such phenomena even as they are occurring right in front of our eyes?

Laws like the Endangered Species Act can have positive impact now. The damage has already been done, but remedial action can be taken. Any reversal is possible if there is no duplicity or politics in policymaking and more importantly, policy implementation. Those who would go by reputed conservation biologist Dr. Staurt Pimm of Duke University will be reassured to know that the number of species under extinction would have been 20% higher were it not for conservation.

What is encouraging is the message by scientist Noah Greenwald: “..we can make a difference if we choose to”. Let this study serve as clarion call for those trying to mislead the public about the impact of climate change and species extinction on our world. Only then can we make the difference our planet and our home so urgently needs.
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