Biodiversity

“Biodiversity refers to the variety of living species on Earth, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. While Earth’s biodiversity is so rich that many species have yet to be discovered, many species are being threatened with extinction due to human activities, putting the Earth’s magnificent biodiversity at risk.”

- National Geographic

Did you know? Some cultures worship nature because they believe it is a gift from god.

A Closer Look at Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the term used to describe the variety of life on Earth—from plants to animals to fungi & even bacteria. Scientists have estimated that there are over 8.7 million species in existence today. That’s enormous!

Species have unique adaptations that enable them to survive in specific environments like forests, grasslands, tundras, and lakes. However, because of how well-suited a species is to its environment, a minor change can cause chaos to ensue—whole populations of species will die off and the ecosystem’s stability will collapse.

The PROBLEM

Much of the Earth’s biodiversity is in jeopardy due to human consumption and other activities that disturb and even destroy ecosystems. Pollution, climate change, and overexploitation are all threats to biodiversity.

These threats are direct causes of species extinction. Some scientists estimate that over half of all species on Earth will be wiped out within the next century! We, the next generation of leaders and pioneers, must participate in and lead conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species and their habitats.

What You Can Do to Preserve Biodiversity

  1. Create or participate in initiatives that positively impact biodiversity. Growing a native-friendly garden, picking up non-biodegradable trash, and taking shorter showers are wonderful ways to fight back against declining biodiversity.

  2. Be conscious of your actions. From purchasing goods at the supermarket to fishing at the local beach, our daily actions contribute to biodiversity loss. However, by playing our part as environmentally-minded individuals, we can preserve biodiversity.

  3. Educate others! By sharing what you know, you can inspire others to take action & save our planet’s biodiversity. 

References: Unsplash, American Museum of Natural History, WWF, National Geographic