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Sixth mass extinction ‘already underway’: Study

July 1, 2015 at 11:03 am 1 comment

You’ve heard it before, but now there’s more proof: A sixth great mass extinction is underway, and we’re running out of time to stop it.

The last major study, published in Nature, suggested 41 per cent of all amphibians face extinction, along with 26 per cent of mammal species and 13 per cent of birds.

The researchers say growing human population growth, increased consumption and “economic inequality” has damaged or destroyed natural habitats, accelerating the extinction.

That will come back to humans eventually, since ecosystems like crop-pollinating honeybees and water purifying wetlands are also at risk. Many such benefits to humans could be lost within three generations, the studies authors write.

Read the full article HERE.

Entry filed under: Biodiversity.