At this point in time, 20% of all species on Earth are battling extinction. This figure could rise up to a shocking 50% in the next 80 years, which is why scientist are suggesting that immediate action should be taken. A conference will be conducted at the Vatican in order to determine what needs to be done in order to prevent this mass extinction.
Crisis mode
Although some of us are aware of the endangerment of rhinos, elephants and tigers, the truth of the matter is that half of the species on our planet could be wiped out entirely in the next few decades.
One of the organizers of the Biological extinction conference had this to say during a press conference: “The living fabric of the world is slipping through our fingers without our showing much sign of caring.”
It is extremely important to work on the balance within our ecosystem, because the extinction of one species usually contributes to the extinction of other species that are directly or indirectly reliant on them. Paul Ehrlich, a biologist at Stanford University said during a press conference: “We want to build highways across the Serengeti to get more rare earth minerals for our cellphones. We grab all the fish from the sea, wreck the coral reefs and put carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
We have triggered a major extinction event. The question is: how do we stop it?”
The meeting was been organized by the Vatican after Pope Francis said that the ecological issues are an urgent issue for the Catholic Church. The fact that religious institutes are intervening in the matter highlights just how dire the situation is currently.
Future implications
The extinction of half the planet’s species is not an issue that can be taken lightly. The destruction that may occur upon the larger ecological systems due to this catastrophe can be immense. Most importantly, it is our responsibility as a species to recognize the damage we have caused our planet, and work toward fixing our mistakes.
Fortunately, the situation is not out of control yet. We just need to act immediately and intelligently.
