Thousands of Species at Risk of Extinction due to human activity

​www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/05/red-list-thousands-of-species-at-risk-of-extinction-due-to-human-activity

A conservation group has released their "red list" of species at risk of extinction because of things like climate change and unsustainable fishing and farming methods across the globe. This list not only includes land and sea animals but also includes crops that are facing an unlikely future. What's worse is that this is not contained to one particular area, but rather, across the globe.

Of the 91,523 species this conservation group assessed, 25,821 are threatened, 866 are extinct and 69 extinct in the wild. It said 11,783 species are vulnerable, 8,455 are endangered and 5,583 critically endangered. So basically, a third of the species assessed are literally in danger because of human activity. One third for crying out loud, that's astronomical and extremely concerning. At this rate, we'll be lucky to have any animals left on the planet in the next 100 years!

I think the most unfortunate part of this story is knowing that a lot of this has to do with humans and what we're doing to the planet. We are literally destroying everything on the planet at such a rapid rate, where can we expect to see ourselves in the future? Can you honestly imagine living on a planet where animals no longer exist? We wouldn't be far behind them that's for sure.

There are several groups across the globe whose conservation efforts have been recognized. For example, Russia has successfully seen the Siberian Tiger's numbers increased thanks to their work in conservation. New Zealand has brought two species of the kiwi bird up to a vulnerable status from an endangered status. What this means is that with the right amount of dedication and effort put forth, it is entirely possible to reverse some of the effects our mistakes on the planet have brought upon the animals.

It's not enough though. While these efforts are working, we still have leaders who deny climate change while polar bears suffer and struggle to survive. We still have asian countries that are fishing whales and dolphins in excess. We need to come together as a planet if we really want to see the changes we need to see. Countries promising to reduce emissions by 30 years from now is great but the fact is, we're seeing the effects of global warming NOW. 

In my opinion, there needs to be a lot more focus on our environment and our animals before it's too late. We're at a very crucial point where there is still hope but we need the world's cooperation here. If more is not done, we will see the end of so many species in the coming years. It's an utterly frightening thought but it could become a reality.


HAPPY VEG