[Themed Report] The Sorry State of Earth's Species, in Numbers

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[Themed Report] The Sorry State of Earth's Species, in Numbers
by Rosa Domingos \| 20-05-2019 19:19 1
A growing body of evidence suggests the planet is in the midst of a sixth mass extinction. The phrase "mass extinction" typically conjures up images of the asteroid crash that led to the twilight of the dinosaurs. But we are most likely in the middle of another devastating (though perhaps less obvious) extinction event today. The trend is hitting global fauna on multiple fronts, as hotter oceans, habitat loss, and climate change drive animal populations down on an unprecedented scale (Woodward, 2016). Today, the United Nations released a summary of a report from its Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which assessed the state of our planet's biodiversity. The IPBES prepares to unveil a thorough diagnosis of the health of Earth's plant and animal species. So far, the UN's findings are grim (Woodward, 2016)....this is what we already know: P.S.:The truth of the matter is, the statistics may not be a true reflection of the true status quo globally. Two species of vertebrate ( or animals with a backbone) have gone extinct every year, on average, for the past century. Scientists say Earth is undergoing a "mass extinction event", the first since the dinosaurs disappeared some 65 million years ago, and only the sixth in the last half-a-billion years. About 41% of amphibian species and more than a quarter of mammals are threatened with extinction. About half of coral reefs have been lost in the last 30 years, that is a lot :( Polar bear are listed as one of the endanged species due to global warming (Woodward, 2016). The global populations of 3 706 monitored vertebrate species – fish, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles – declined by nearly 60% from 1970 to 2012. 25 821 species of 91 523 assessed for the 2017 "Red List" update were classified as "threatened"(News24, 2018). Of these, 5 583 were "critically" endangered, 8 455 "endangered", and 11 783 "vulnerable". African elephant numbers dropped to 415 000 in 2016, down about 111 000 over 10 years. There are an estimated 8.7 million plant and animal species on our planet. This means about 86% of land species and 91% of sea species remain undiscovered. Of the ones we do know, 1 204 mammal, 1 469 bird, 1 215 reptile, 2 100 amphibian, and 2 386 fish species are considered threatened. (News24, 2018). Also threatened are 1 414 insect, 2 187 mollusc, 732 crustacean, 237 coral, 12 505 plant, 33 mushroom, and six brown algae species. (Woodward, 2019) Annual economic losses as a result of deforestation and forest degradation alone may be as high as $4.5 trillion. A conference of the UN's Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) agreed in Nagoya, Japan in 2010 on a 20-point plan to turn back biodiversity loss by 2020 (News24, 2018). The plan's so-called "Aichi Biodiversity Targets" include halving the rate of habitat loss, expanding water and land areas under conservation, preventing the extinction of species on the threatened list, and restoring at least 15% of degraded ecosystems (News24, 2018). Though a strategic plan has been put in to place to counter act damaged that has been done for years, The UN sees hope that the target established at the convention will bring about a ray of light in this dark crisis. Reference list: Woodward, A. May 06, 2019. https://www.businessinsider.co.za/1-million-species-could-go-extinct-un-report-2019-5 AFP,. March 16, 2018. https://www.news24.com/Green/News/the-sorry-state-of-earths-species-in-numbers-20180316

Dormant user Rosa Domingos

12 Comments

Horticulturist Susmita says :
Greetings Rosa
I hope you are doing well
Thank you so much for this report

Keep writing
Green cheers
Regards
Sus
Posted 15-03-2020 16:43

Horticulturist Susmita says :
Greetings Rosa
I hope you are doing well
Thank you so much for this report

Keep writing
Green cheers
Regards
Sus
Posted 15-03-2020 16:43

Rosa Domingos says :
Hey there Kushal!

Yes, there needs to be an incentive on how can reduce the population count from further diminishing.

Thank you for reading and commenting!
Rosa
Posted 21-06-2019 16:58

Kushal Naharki

Kushal Naharki says :
Hello Rosa

Thank you for your report about how wildlives have gone from normal to vulnerable and endangered, WE must act from our level to the strong actions taken by the government and responsible bodies to protect it.

Green Cheers from Nepal :)
Keep writing great reports.
We are eager to read more reports from you.

Regards,
Kushal Naharki

Posted 17-06-2019 05:25

Rosa Domingos says :
Hi mentor Wonhee,

Thank you for reading my report, Yes, the statistics displays an urgent need for action. Because at the current rate that we are losing our species, we might not have anything left.

Thank you for commenting on my report Mentor!
Sincerely,
Rosa
Posted 24-05-2019 14:11

Wonhee Mentor says :
Hello Rosa

Thank you for sharing this informative report. With the statistics you have suggested, I truly can see that extinction of animals and plants are happening in an alarming rate. According to another research conducted by UN, one eighth of total animals and plants must be regarded as endangered species. Also, extinction is happening 1000 times faster than its normal speed. Thank you for all your time and effort taken to write this report. Love the pictures! Keep up the good work!

Wonhee Mentor
Posted 24-05-2019 12:16

Rosa Domingos says :
Hi there Eco-Generation!

Yes, it's very disturbing to see these numbers regarding the population of species. Thank you for reading and commenting on my report. And thank you for your kind words.

Warm regards Eco-Generation,
Rosa
Posted 24-05-2019 00:17

Rosa Domingos says :
Hi Mentor Louis!

I trust you are well. Thank you for reading my report. Indeed, the statistics bring about a cause for concern. We need to look at how to protect our environment.

Thank you for commenting Mentor.
Sincerely yours,
Rosa
Posted 24-05-2019 00:11

Eco Generation says :
Greetings Rosa,

The actual statistics concerning the loss of animal species in numbers, was more alerting and understanable, compared to the just abstract concept.
You've managed to establish a great report this time as well, keep up the superb work!

Sincerely,
Eco Generation
Posted 23-05-2019 09:53

Louis Mentor says :
Hi Rosa,

Thank you for writing about mass extinction and this report is indeed informative. With rapid change in environment and global warming, I am aware that mass extinction is a big environmental issue these days and mass extinction will definitely negatively affect the biodiversity on this earth. I think before we lose more species, it is important for us to protect them before losing more. I am glad that you brought this issue up! Great work!

Louis Mentor
Posted 23-05-2019 00:58

Rosa Domingos says :
Hey there Asmita!

You're right, we have seen countless species fall due to this.
Thank you for reading!
Posted 21-05-2019 04:20

Asmita Gaire says :
Hello rosa sis
Mass extinction is a great problem happening now. Many endangered species have gone extinct and many abundant species have gone endangered. It draws towards mass extinction.
Thank you so much for this wonderful report sis.
Green cheers!
Posted 21-05-2019 01:58