The earth’s biodiversity is in grave danger.
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Biodiversity loss is accelerated by human and natural causes. According to the fossil record, there have been five historical mass extinctions and the reasons for these are often related to changes in the Earth's environment and atmosphere. However, many scientists now believe that the Earth is facing a sixth mass extinction, and this is primarily due to human activities.
Some expert’s estimate that around 30% of all species on earth will be extinct by 2050 and this corroborated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which says that “globally about one third of all known species are threatened with extinction and an estimated 25% of all mammals will be extinct within 20 years”
What are we doing that is driving species to the brink of extinction?
We are destroying species’ habitats
Habitat destruction is a major cause for biodiversity loss and it is caused by deforestation, overpopulation, pollution and global warming. Species which are physically large and those living in forests or oceans are more affected by habitat destruction and reduction.
Invasive species
Invasive species are invading ecosystems and destroying native species. We humans are the ones promoting invasive species. In Cameroon, most of the indigenous trees of the Bamenda Highlands forests have almost been completely replaced by Eucalyptus trees and this is playing negative on our water bodies, agriculture and rapidly accelerating species extinction. Eucalyptus is an invasive species in Cameroon.
Global Warming
Climate change and Global Warming are becoming a major cause for loss of biodiversity. For example if the present rate of global warming continues, coral reefs which are biodiversity hotspots will disappear in 20-40 years.
Pollution
Air, Land and Water pollution are greatly affecting species numbers.
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Over population and Unsustainable use of natural resources.
Rapid population growth has increased pressure on natural resources and greatly accelerated the the unsustainable use of natural resources.
We can now clearly see that biodiversity which is crucial for the well being of life on earth, is coming under the threat of many factors related to human activities and there is an urgent need to take action to protect the magnificent biodiversity of our planet.
Join us to advocate and act for biodiversity conservation.
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