Are the animal species doomed?

The sixth mass extinction is underway. The animals of this world are threatened and it is mostly our fault.

A mass extinction is when 75% - 90% of all species go extinct in a ‘short’ period of geological time; less than 2.8 million years. Over the 4.5 million year history of the earth there have been 5 known extinctions and scientists believe another is coming. More than 500 species of land animals are close to extinction and 1,616 different species of fish are also on the brink. Scientists believe that this process should’ve taken thousands of years but due to human interference and the negative impacts that we have been having on the planet it will only take a few decades.

These are the past 5 mass extinction:

1. The Ordovician-Silurian mass extinction occurred 443 million years ago and wiped out 85% of all known species

2. The Devonian mass extinction took place 374 million years ago and killed 75% of all species, most of which were marine invertebrates that lived at the bottom of the sea.

3. The Permian mass extinction happened 250 million years ago and is the largest and most devastating event out of the five. It is also known as the great dying since 95% of all species, including most animals who had only just began to evolve, became extinct.

4. The Triassic mass extinction event took place 200 million years ago, eliminating about 80% of all earth’s species.

5. The Cretaceous mass extinction event occurred 65 million years ago, killing 78% of all species.

Most past events were caused by extreme temperature changes, rising or falling of the sea levels and catastrophic one-off events like a huge volcano erupting or an asteroid hitting Earth but what is the main reason for the current mass extinction? The extreme weather that is starting to become more frequent, such as flooding, drought and wildfires, is one of the main causes and these are mainly caused by us. We have been putting pressure on the Earth by using its resources without supporting its recovery for a while. For example, we have been destroying our natural landscapes.

We have already transformed 70% of all land surfaces and we are currently using around ¾ of all freshwater resources. Agriculture also has a massive part to play in the next mass extinction. It is causing soil degradation, deforestation and pollution. Farmers are killing or removing predatory birds and wolves as they are seen as a threat to their livestock. This has caused a trophic ecological cascade. Another human action that is having a detrimental effect to earth is the introduction of invasive species. Introducing new species means they have to compete with local species for resources and often destroy the quality of biodiversity in the area which causes extinction. The Earth has been delicately balanced over million of years. When one species becomes extinct, the first domino falls and all other species in that habitat are effected. This is what happens with a mass extinction. The current rate of extinction is 100 to 1,000 times higher than the pre-human rate of extinction. This definitely proves we are going through a 6th mass extinction.

This issues is prominent and complicated, however there are solutions. We must prioritize the protection of nature over financial gain. If we continue the way we are going, natural disasters will become even more frequent in the next 50 years. This will test our infrastructures, satellites and more. However, research has proven that if we change our ways now, the next generation will benefit, and we can avoid the oncoming disasters. So, we must focus on improving how we affect the climate and if we do so, the number of animals threatened by extinction will also improve.

How you can help: eat sustainably, only eat fruit and vegetables grown in season as well as locally and limit your meat and dairy consumption; reduce waste, repair, reuse, donate or sell items and freeze any leftover food you may have; reduce energy use in your house, open blinds instead of turning on your light, put another layer on before turning the heating up; think about how you travel, use public transport rather than your car or cycle;

Think about what you buy, plan meals ahead of time so you stick to a specific shopping list, before you buy something think about whether you need it and think about how sustainable it is; and finally cut down on plastics, use reusable bags, buy water bottles and if needed take metal straws to restaurants. Also think about who you buy from as stated before buy from local farmers and look to see how they grow and farm their produce. Support and donate to campaigns and charities who are looking to evert this crisis. Don’t ignore, ACT! Through these actions, you can make a difference so that the other animals living on this planet can continue to live on this planet for many years to come.