Sustainable Societies

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the amazing variety of life that exists on Earth, from the smallest microbe to the largest ecosystem, and the evolutionary and ecological processes that sustain them. Diversity and interdependency of species and ecosystems are essential cornerstones of life on Earth. Diversity is essential to maintaining stable ecosystems. New ways that life forms depend on each other are constantly being discovered, and the discoveries indicate that species and ecosystems are more interdependent at deeper levels than previously believed.

An ever-increasing number of species and ecosystems are under grave threat from unrelenting human encroachment and climate change. Expansion, extraction, exploitation and emission activities from agriculture, urban sprawl, strip-mining, deforestation, overfishing, hunting and the burning of fossil fuels result in pollution and habitat degradation that are pushing many species toward extinction. A mass extinction crisis is underway according to the 2010 United Nations Third Global Diversity Outlook report which estimates the following:

• 25% of all mammals are headed for extinction. This could result in a loss of genetic variability and set off a domino effect of increased mammal vulnerability.
• 38% of all freshwater fish and 70% of ocean fish stocks are severely threatened. Since fish are the major source of protein for 1 in 5 of the world's growing population, serious food shortages will occur.
• 25% of plant species are severely threatened. Because over 50% of today's prescription medications are plant-based, this biodiversity loss will impact development of lifesaving drugs.

To respond to these challenges, habitat rehabilitation efforts such as reforestation and costal and wetland de-nitrification should be implemented rapidly. Market incentives, smart regulations and educational campaigns must be adopted to eliminate overfishing, over-hunting and habitat destruction. Those who promote and engage in practices that threaten biodiversity must be exposed and face public pressure to make changes for sustainability.