Biodiversity Loss

What is the Biodiversity Loss Problem?

A fall in biodiversity within a species, ecosystem, geographic area, or the whole Earth is referred to as biodiversity loss. Biodiversity refers to the number of genes, species, individual organisms within a species, and biological communities within a certain geographic location, ranging from the smallest ecosystem to the global biosphere.

A biological community is a group of various species that interact in one location. Similarly, biodiversity loss refers to a reduction in the number, genetic variability, and variety of species and biological ecosystems in a particular place.

The loss of life variety may result in a breakdown in the functioning of the ecosystem where the loss has occurred.

How do humans affect these problems?

In contrast, human-caused biodiversity losses are more severe and long-lasting. Humans, their crops, and their food animals are taking up an increasing proportion of the Earth's land area. Agriculture has taken over half of the world's habitable land, or over 51 million square kilometers, and over 77 percent of agricultural land (nearly 40 million square kilometers) is used for grazing by cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals.

This massive conversion of forests, marshes, grasslands, and other terrestrial habitats has led to a 60% decrease in vertebrate populations worldwide since 1970, with freshwater settings losing 83 percent of their vertebrate populations and South and Central America losing 89 percent.

The human population rose from 3.7 billion to 7.3 billion between 1970 and 2014. By 2018, the biomass of humans and their livestock totaled one hundred seventy-six million three hundred sixty-nine thousand eight hundred nine tons, far outweighing that of wild mammals 7.76 million ton) and wild birds (7.7 million tons) (2.22 million tons).

When the whole fossil record is examined, experts estimate that the current rate of species extinction is between 100 and 10,000 times that of the background extinction rate, which is one to five species each year.

Furthermore, human activities are risking the extinction of up to one million plant and animal species, according to a 2019 research from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

Environmental effects

Growing demand for natural resources as a result of rising human population, rising per capita consumption, and shifting consumption patterns has resulted in the use of more natural habitat for agriculture, mining, industrial infrastructure, and urban areas.

Key aspects of human activity that contribute to biodiversity loss include:

Deforestation. Tropical rainforests are very rich in biodiversity, yet they are being destroyed.

Habitat loss induced by persistent, gradual encroachment, such as urban expansion

Pollution caused by extensive pesticide usage and fertilizer abuse is 6 and 12 times more than it was before 1961, respectively.

Agriculture is thought to endanger half of the vulnerable species.

Water consumption in some of the world's greatest water catchments, where dams and irrigation restrict water flow.

Hunting and species overexploitation, such as in wild catch fisheries, but also in the wildlife trade.

Invasive species and illnesses spread by commerce and travel.

Climate change, as a result of warming and shifting rainfall patterns, impacts species ranges as well as the underlying water and chemical cycles that characterize today's ecosystems.

Things you can do to increase biodiversity:

Living in a world where there is only black and white would be boring. Biodiversity is like colors in the world, they add meaning to the world. Create new experiences and make this earth unique in its own way. Here are some things you can do today to help keep the Earth Green and flourished.

Help out local farmers.

Buying from small local farmers at stands or markets on a regular basis helps to maintain money in the local economy and supports agricultural initiatives to protect biodiversity. When shopping in markets, it's crucial to understand the terminology—'organic' is better for you and the environment, but farmers that use 'Integrated Pest Management' may give high-quality items with little to no chemical intervention. Another fantastic method to consume in-season, fresh, local food while also financially supporting local farmers is via Community Supported Agriculture.

Help the bees!

Bees are critical to biodiversity conservation, but they are increasingly under threat from varroa mites. You may help rescue them by planting nectar-producing wildflowers in your yard or even constructing bee cages for local bees to live in. When doing DIY home improvements, be aware of the materials you use, since common garden insecticides may be hazardous or fatal to bees.

Plant flowers, fruits, and veggies from your area.

Investigate the natural flora, fruits, and vegetables in your region, then grow a variety in your backyard or a hanging garden. Support local nurseries that specialize on native plants to help with this endeavor. Nurseries may be excellent sources of knowledge about plant upkeep and care. They should also be able to tell you where they get their plants—the closer to home, the better. By assisting local animals, you are assisting in the preservation of biodiversity and the local ecology.

Reduce the length of your showers!

The amount of fresh water in the area affects biodiversity. Water may be saved by taking five-minute showers and shutting off the water when washing your hands, cleaning the dishes, or brushing your teeth.

Local habitats must be respected.

Plants growing in parks and nature preserves near you may frequently help to conserve the local environment. Stick to the walking route or hiking trail while you're outside to safeguard local wildlife. Assist your children and pets in doing the same!

Works Cited

Iberdrola. “Biodiversity Loss, a Risk for the Environment and for Humanity.” Iberdrola, 2022, www.iberdrola.com/sustainability/biodiversity-loss.

Lai, Olivia. “Biodiversity Loss Definition and Examples.” Earth.org - Past | Present | Future, 15 Feb. 2022, earth.org/biodiversity-loss-definition-and-examples/.

The Royal Society. “What Is the Human Impact on Biodiversity? | Royal Society.” Royalsociety.org, 2020, royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/biodiversity/human-impact-on-biodiversity/.

Yale Sustainability. “6 Ways to Preserve Biodiversity | Yale Sustainability.” Sustainability.yale.edu, 1 Oct. 2020, sustainability.yale.edu/blog/6-ways-preserve-biodiversity.