BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Oblivion threat to 12,000 species
The BBC reports on the World Conservation union adding to their Red List of most endangered species:
"Human activities may be the main threat to the world's species, but humans can also help them recover - the Chinese crested ibis, the Arabian oryx and the white rhino are just a few examples."
The Red List threat categories are critically endangered (extremely high extinction risk in the wild); endangered (very high risk); vulnerable (high risk); near-threatened (close to qualifying as vulnerable); and least concern (this includes widespread and abundant species).
IUCN says island wildlife is being lost through the effects of invasive alien species, which have driven to extinction four plants from Ascension Island that were found nowhere else.
How do we stop causing such devastation? How can we avoid the loss of diversity? The rich heritage that is found all over the world should not be put at risk. We need to start working together as a species to recognise the impact we have and start to reduce the effects we have on the planet.
I worry about this. What legacy am I giving to my children? Perhaps even worse what legacy are others giving to all our children?
I seem to remember an analogy from somewhere that Humans are the virus infecting the earth and won't be satisfied until its destruction...
I dearly hope that people, Governments and Companies / Brands start to address this issue with more passion as a community than sit squabbling around the edges. A collective approach, a mutualist approach is necessary!
Until then, I'll do what I can even if it is as simple as recycling my newspapers and buying products with less packaging.