Upstream | November 24, 2009 | 2 comments

Biodiversity loss is our great and hidden tragedy

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/20/biodiversity-loss-darwin-edward-wilson

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JanforGore
Biodiversity loss does not get center stage, but nevertheless it is an environmental tragedy that must be addressed along with climate change. I do believe they are intertwined. Take potatoes as an example. We have gone in this world from thousands of seed varieties to about ten or less worldwide. That does not bode well for sustaining a growing population, especially with GMOS contaminating natural seed varieties. It is the same with the corn varieties of Mexico. And those actions alone can effect species that feed on them as well as other factors regarding Forests being cleared to grow them. Also, climate change effects such as drought, deforestation, etc. as well as air and water pollution. Biodiversity is the reason we thrive on Earth. If we can't find time to pay attention to that, then I don't understand how we can begin to think this planet can be saved for the future.

But hey, MSM, let's focus on Sarah Palin and her book for another day, shall we?
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2 comments // Biodiversity loss is our great and hidden tragedy

  • JanforGore
  • JanforGore
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      JanforGore  

    • Excerpt:
      The diversity of life on Earth is undergoing an "immense and hidden" tragedy that requires the scale of global response now being deployed to tackle climate change, according to one of the world's most eminent biologists.

      Prof Edward Wilson, an ecologist who has been described as "Darwin's natural heir" and hailed by novelist Ian McEwan as an "intellectual hero" and "inspirational" writer, told the Guardian that the threat was so grave he is pushing for the creation of an international body of experts modelled on the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

      The IPCC, which is credited with convincing world leaders that the threat from climate change is real, includes about 2,500 scientific expert reviewers from more than 130 countries and was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 2007 along with Al Gore. Wilson's proposed organisation – which he names the Barometer of Life – would report to governments on the threats posed to species around the world.

      Wilson said the problem of biodiversity loss had been "eased off centre stage" because of the focus on climate change.

      "We don't hear as much public concern, protestation and plans by political leaders to save the living environment. It doesn't get anything like the attention the physical environment has," he said.

      Since the beginning of the last century, 183 species are known to have become extinct, including the Tasmanian tiger, the Caribbean monk seal and the toolache wallaby. But this number is a gross underestimate of the true number of extinctions, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature species programme.

    • 2 years ago
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