Earth faces 'catastrophic loss of species'

Earth faces 'catastrophic loss of species'

Life on earth is facing a major crisis with thousands of species threatened with imminent extinction - a global emergency demanding urgent action. This is the view of 19 of the world's most eminent biodiversity specialists, who have called on governments to establish a political framework to save the planet.

The planet is losing species faster than at any time since 65 million years ago, when the earth was hit by an enormous asteroid that wiped out thousands of animals and plants, including the dinosaurs. Scientists estimate that the current rate at which species are becoming extinct is between 100 and 1,000 times greater than the normal "background" extinction rate - and say this is all due to human activity.

The call for action comes from some of the most distinguished scientists in the field...

In a joint declaration, published today in Nature, the scientists say that the earth is on the verge of a biodiversity catastrophe and that only a global political initiative stands a chance of stemming the loss. They say: "There is growing recognition that the diversity of life on earth, including the variety of genes, species and ecosystems, is an irreplaceable natural heritage crucial to human well-being and sustainable development. There is also clear scientific evidence that we are on the verge of a major biodiversity crisis. Virtually all aspects of biodiversity are in steep decline and a large number of populations and species are likely to become extinct this century.

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What is there to really say? :shk:

God help our children....

Unfortunately, our children and grandchildren will suffer from our parents and grandparents mistakes. But, I believe humans will prevail regardless of what we have done to our only home, Earth.

Originally posted by loam

The planet is losing species faster than at any time since 65 million years ago, when the earth was hit by an enormous asteroid that wiped out thousands of animals and plants, including the dinosaurs. Scientists estimate that the current rate at which species are becoming extinct is between 100 and 1,000 times greater than the normal "background" extinction rate - and say this is all due to human activity.

Hmm I have to disagree with this part here. I don't think the earth was hit by a giant asteroid. I think we had an Ice Age.

Originally posted by l0rds0fcha0s

Originally posted by loam

The planet is losing species faster than at any time since 65 million years ago, when the earth was hit by an enormous asteroid that wiped out thousands of animals and plants, including the dinosaurs. Scientists estimate that the current rate at which species are becoming extinct is between 100 and 1,000 times greater than the normal "background" extinction rate - and say this is all due to human activity.

Hmm I have to disagree with this part here. I don't think the earth was hit by a giant asteroid. I think we had an Ice Age.

Did you read the post by loam?? she was correct and you were very wrong. the ice ages are regular through history. 65 million years ago was a mass world wide extinction of nearly 99% of all life on earth - caused by a massive blotting out of the sun for nearly 1000 years - thats not an ice age thats an impact - we even know where at least 3 of the craters are. tests on mud nearly three mioes down has proven the loss of sun light to the earth and also the mass extinction can be found in the layers of rock from that era.... Ice made life hard, but the impact made it impossible for all but 1% of life on earth.

[edit on 22/7/06 by GSA]