Mass extinctions are defined as “any substantial increase in the amount of extinction (lineage termination) suffered by more than one geographically widespread higher taxon during a relatively short interval of geologic time, resulting in an at least temporary decline in their standing diversity.”
The Earth has already suffered five mass extinctions. And every single mass extension was devastating.
- Ordovician-Silurian extinction: 444 million years ago.
- Late Devonian extinction: 383 to 359 million years ago.
- Permian-Triassic extinction: 252 million years ago.
- Triassic-Jurassic extinction: 201 million years ago.
- Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction: 66 million years ago.
One thing in common about every mass extinction that has occurred is that a natural phenomenon caused them.
What Will The Next One Be Like?
This one is going to be different from the previous ones. It won’t be natural anymore, and we can predict it will be more devastating. The impact humankind has had on the planet is severe, and we are still fighting with each other over land, resources, power, etc. Nobody can deny that the earth is dying, and it’s all because of us.
According to a journal, Science Advances, most recent extinctions of species have occurred over the past century. But following previous mass extinctions, it took millions of years for nature to recover and diversify again. If we allow the current rate of extinction to continue, perhaps it’s we who will fail to recover. Humanity will be deprived of many of biodiversity’s benefits, much of which makes life on Earth possible.
It’s not clear how many or how fast species will become extinct, but it’s in our hands to limit the damage to the planet.
What Are The Possibilities Of Moderation?
The very first recommendation is to restore and plant new vegetation that’s efficient at drawing carbon out of the atmosphere or storing it in the soil. This can be achieved by planting new forests or maintaining mangroves, seagrass beds and existing forests.
The obvious thing to do is to address the main cause of biodiversity loss: the food system. At the moment, there is a concern whether we will be able to feed a world of 10 or 12 billion people, especially when we’re facing climate change and losing biodiversity.
It’s tough to recall all of this, make it work, and it’s even a big target to hit in such huge biodiversity. But the earth, as well as our future generations, are worth it.
What If We Don’t Take Action?
Around 322 species have been recorded going extinct since the year 1500. The keyword here, of course, is “recorded”. I shudder to think of how many unrecognised species have disappeared.
A February 2020 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that one-third of all plant and animal species could be extinct by 2070 as a result of global warming.
Doesn’t It Seem Like The End?
Whether or not one cares to debate the science behind global warming, anthropogenic or not, what is undeniable is the staggering rate of environmental destruction and resulting biodiversity loss — almost entirely a result of over-population and insane human activity.
I do not doubt that the Earth will continue to survive without us, even after all the destruction. The Earth will heal itself, but we won’t be here anymore.
If you have read this far, I think you really care about this. So, if you do care, let’s start a change from ourselves. We still have a little time to make things right. We will have to moderate climate change because it’s the biggest reason behind the acceleration of the sixth mass extinction.
Let’s take an oath to save our home because no human technology can replace “nature’s technology”.