According to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre(WCMC), biodiversity is the degree of variations within the living world, which refers to genetic, species and ecosystem. Rapid environmental changes often cause extinctions. There were five major mass extinctions and some minor events in the past that led to large sudden loss in biodiversity. Currently, we are in the phase of the Holocene Extinction, sometimes called the Sixth Extinction, which is primarily due to human activities. Frequent, rapid and substantial migration, plus the exploitation of natural resources by mankind are two major factors that are related to the collapse of biodiversity. In 2007, German Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel cited estimates that up to 30% of all species will be extinct by 2050. Besides, the world’s rain forests could vanish completely within 100 years at the current rate of deforestation (2014, National Geographic). Agricultural, industrial activities and urbanization that lead to pollution, climate change and introduction of invasive non-native species are the main threats of biodiversity (WCMC, 2014).
"The Living Planet Index measures trends in biodiversity and is a monitor of ecosystem health. This index has fallen by about 30 per cent since 1970, indicating that natural ecosystems are being degraded at a rate unprecedented in human history."
-WWF (2008)
In this substantial phenomenon that spans across the globe, governments play significant roles. Governments, being the enforcement unit and the guardian of their respective countries, have the responsibility to enact environment-related laws and supervise activities that potentially cause pollution in their countries, under which offenders should be punished accordingly. In addition, government agencies should by all means retain the natural environment in their region. For example, the Malaysia government has established National Parks and Wildlife Reserves as the rain forests are habitats to numerous species that contribute to the biodiversity, while Singapore government has focused intensively on the environment to ensure the small, packed city retains its green spaces.
However, just setting up the places are not enough while many protected areas are not well managed and many habitats are not well represented where only less than 1 per cent of marine areas are protected, for example (WWF, 2008). Besides, there is not always enough support from governments, development agencies, businesses and industries, and sometimes local communities to ensure the long-term success of protected areas (WWF, 2008). This is why non-governmental organizations (NGO) like World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) play significant supportive roles. As for WWF, it has a long history of being a non-profit environmental organization. WWF works with a large number of different groups to achieve its goals, including other NGOs, governments, businesses, investment banks, scientists, fishermen, farmers and local communities. It also undertakes public campaigns to influence decision makers, and seeks to educate people on how to live in a more environmentally friendly manner.Other than that, it also urges people to donate funds to protect the environment (Wikipedia, 2014)
In addition to efforts by governments and NGOs, we as residents on the Earth have the same responsible to save the collapsing biodiversity. Being aware of and understanding environmental issues is the most important step. As per suggested by WWF, we can lessen the impact to environment and biodiversity by changing our daily habits and consumption preferences to more eco-friendly. For instance, buying wood products certified by Forest Stewardship Council, which are from sustainable forest resources. Efforts of reducing carbon footprint have to be practiced extensively such as using energy-saving electrical equipments, carpooling, consume less unnecessary industrial products to lessen the impact of global warming. Keeping the environment clean is also essential as many organisms are very susceptible to pollution. For example, throwing rubbish such as plastics and chemicals into water bodies will cause suffocation or poisoning in aquatic animals.
In conclusion, the critical situation of biodiversity on Earth is an important issue that everyone should concern about and take actions against it. Although collapse is happening at an alarming speed, we can still make it a halt via many ways. Governments and NGOs should work together in combating this crisis while people should give the organizations full support and do their own parts as a resident on Earth.
“We have only this generation to get sustainability and the environment right. We all need to work together as never before to get there.”
-James P. Leape
Director General, WWF International
REFERENCES
Al-Rodhan, R.F. Nayef and Gérard Stoudmann. (2006). Definitions of Globalization: A Comprehensive Overview and aProposed Definition. URL: http://www.sustainablehistory.com/articles/definitions-of-globalization.pdf
Goldin, Ian. (2009). Navigating Our Global Future. TED Talks.
URL: http://www.ted.com/talks/ian_goldin_navigating_our_global_future?language=en
World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC). (Retrieved 8 Mar 2014). What is Biodiversiy?
URL: http://www.unep-wcmc.org/what-is-biodiversity_50.html
Gabriel, Sigmar. (2007). 30% of all species lost by 2050. BBC News.
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6432217.stm
National Geographic. (Retrieved 8 Mar, 2014). Deforestation.
URL: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-
overview/
World Conservation Monitoring Centre. (Retrieved 8 Mar 2014). Threats to Biodiversity.
URL: http://www.unep-wcmc.org/threats-to-biodiversity_52.html
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). (2008). A Roadmap for a Living Planet.
URL: http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/roadmap_sign_off_fin.pdf
Wikipedia. (Retrieved 8 March 2014). World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Wide_Fund_for_Nature
Globalization, which is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture (Al-Rodhan, 2006), /has startedT/ ever since people in the past extended tradesWF and searchVF/T/ll for resources over their respective regions dating back to the 7th century WHO SAYS SO?. By that time, the technology in transportation started to allow people to explore further and look for thingsREG they were in need ^, or wantVF/T. Until today, globalization is a phenomenon that influences everyone, everydayWHO SAYS SO?. Globalization has brought people to a new level of civilization due to ^ exchange of technologies, culture and economy. Although we are seemingly enjoying the benefits, //the crisis is lying under this candy-coat??REG//. One of the major problems that Goldin /has mentioned/ in his TED talk in 2006, is the collapse in biodiversity.
ReplyDeleteBefore looking into the solutions, it is important to know the definition of biodiversity. According to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre(WCMC), biodiversity is the degree of variations within the living world, which refers to genetic, species and ecosystem. Rapid environmental changes often cause extinctions. There /had beenT/ five major mass extinctions and some minor events in the past that ledT to large sudden loss in biodiversity. Currently, we are in the phase of the Holocene Extinction, sometimes called the Sixth Extinction, which is primarily due to human activities. Frequent, rapid and massiveREG migration, ^ exploitation of natural resources by mankind are two major factors that are related to the collapse of biodiversity. In 2007, German Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel cited estimates that up to 30% of all species will be extinct by 2050. Besides, the world’s rain forests could vanish completely within 100 years at the current rate of deforestation (2014, National Geographic). Agricultural, industrial activities and urbanization that lead to pollution, climate change and introduction of invasive non-native species are the main threats of biodiversity (WCMC, 2014).
USE THE APA REFERENCE GUIDE
"The Living Planet Index measures trends in biodiversity and is a monitor of ecosystem health. This index has fallen by about 30 per cent since 1970, indicating that natural ecosystems are being degraded at a rate unprecedented in human history."
-WWF (2008)
In this massiveREG phenomenon that spans across the globe, governments play significant roles. Governments, as the /managing boardWF?/ and guardianWF of their respective countries, have the responsibleWF to enact environment-related laws and supervise activities that potentially cause pollution in their /countries, offenders should be punished accordinglyORG/REPH/. In addition, government agencies should by all means retain the natural environment in their region. For example, the Malaysia government has established National Parks and Wildlife Reserves as the rain forests are habitatWF toWF numerous species that contribute to the biodiversity, whereas ^ Singapore government has focused intensively on the environment to ensure the small, packed city retains its green spaces.
ReplyDeleteHowever, just setting up the places are not enough while many protected areas are not well managed and many habitats are not well /represented where only less than 1 per cent of marine areas are protected, for exampleORG/ (WWF, 2008). Besides, there is not always enough support from governmentWF, development agencies, businessWF and industry, and sometimes local communities to ensure the long-term success of protected areas (WWF, 2008). This is why non-governmental organizations (NGO) like World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) play significant supportive roles. As for WWF, it has a long history of being a non-profit environmental organization. WWF works with a large number of different groups to achieve its goals, including other NGOs, governments, businessWF, investment banks, scientists, fishermen, farmers and local communities. It also undertakes public campaigns to influence decision makers, and seeks to educate people on how to live in a more environmentally friendly manner. LINK It urges people to donate funds to protect the environment (Wikipedia, 2014)
In addition to efforts by governments and NGOs, we as residents on the Earth have the same responsible to save the collapsing biodiversity. Being aware of and understanding environmental issues is the most important step. As per suggested by WWF, we can lessen the impact to environment and biodiversity by changing our daily habits and consumption preferences to more eco-friendly. For instance, buying wood products certified by Forest Stewardship Council, which are from sustainable forest resources. Efforts of reducing carbon footprint have to be practiced extensively such as using energy-saving electrical equipments, carpooling, consume less unnecessary industrial products to lessen the impact of global warming. Keeping the environment clean is also essential as many organisms are very susceptible to pollution. For example, throwing rubbish such as plastics and chemicals into water bodies will cause suffocation or poisoning in aquatic animals.
In conclusion, the critical situation of biodiversity on Earth is an important issue that everyone should be concerned ofWW and take action /regarding itWW/. Although collapse is happening inWW an alarming speed, weREG can still /make it to a halt via several levelsREPH/. Governments and NGOs should work together in combating this crisis while people should give the organizations full support and doWW their own partsWE /as a resident on EarthRED/.