Loss of Biodiversity


Biodiversity was never higher on our planet than it used to be before the beginning of industrialization. The 1,750,000 species discovered and determined as of today represent only about 13% of all of the world's species (see graph, Heywood, 1997).

Approximately 2% of all species could be considered "extinct", while this figure could go up to 50% by the end of the 21st century, according to Professor Wilson of Harvard University. The extinction rate caused by human beings is 1,000 -10,000 times higher than the natural evolutionary one. This could be the beginning of the biggest extinction in the history of planet earth.

The five main causes of this irreversible loss of biodiversity (HIPPO) are: Habitat destruction; Invasive species; environmental Pollution; Population growth / poverty; and Overharvesting of species.

The loss of biodiversity has negative economic, ecological and cultural consequences not only for present but in particular future generations.


LINKS:

The World Conservation Unit (IUCN)

Redlist of Threatened Species

Conservation International