Biodiversity is all of the different varieties of species that inhabit the planet. Biodiversity is “the web of life on earth” and is essential to the quality of human well-being. This web of life connects every species with each other, and any actions (both positive and negative) taken can have a great impact on the web of life and every species in it. We are also part of this web of life and every action take no matter how small, will affect the biodiversity of this planet affecting not only other species but eventually ourselves. Biodiversity ensures different variation on earth, and if the web of life is interfered by our action then biodiversity on earth will slowly be destroyed.
Background check on human
Humans and other species have co-existed in the planet for thousands of years, living along side other. Through we live along side other species we do not necessary live in harmony with them. Anywhere that humans arrive, we have caused chaos and destruction there. Ever since our ancestor’s time we have been taking over animal’s habitat for our own needs and driving the animals into hiding. We destroy their habitat to create our own, not considering how this will affect them. Not only do we destroy their homes, we overharvest these animals until they are extinct. But now it’s is even worse, as there are almost no land left for the animal to hide. Though governments and other environmental groups have tried to make this all better, they cannot change our nature. We are invasive creature, and as time pass on our population will increase even more and we will need more land. We will be taking the last of animal’s habitat leaving all to be vulnerable. If we continue our action soon there will not be any biodiversity left on this planet.
Rain Forest
Facts about biodiversity rain forests
- A single pond in Brazil can sustain a greater variety of fish than is found in all of Europe's rivers.
- A 25-acre plot of rainforest in Borneo may contain more than 700 species of
- A single rainforest reserve in Peru is home to more species of birds than are found in the entire United States.
- One single tree in Peru was home to forty-three different species of ants
- The number of species of fish in the Amazon exceeds the number found in the entire Atlantic Ocean.
From these quick facts, it’s easy to tell that rain forests contain rich biodiversity to earth. It provides habitat for 300 million people around the world as well as 10 million species of plants and animal and insect of different varieties. Without this habitat, species that reside in the rainforest will be vulnerable for attack, and would be forced to move. These plants found in the rain forest would be unable to survive and thousands of species will be wiped out. This will happen so rapidly and some may not have time to adapt. Those that can’t adapt to the new environment will become extinct.
Rain Forests assure the preservation of soils, plants as well as help stabilize the climate. They are also the source of many medical discoveries. Their destruction can results in flooding, mudslides, droughts, soil erosion, pollution of surface waters, the appearance of pests and the spread of disease.
The World Resource Institute estimates that 39 percent of the world's remaining forest is under high threat by commercial logging, energy development, mining, new infrastructure, land clearing for agriculture, overgrazing, and fuel wood gathering. In just 5 years time, 90 million acres of global forest have been lost. Scientists estimate that we are losing more than 137 species of plants and animals every single day because of rainforest deforestation.
Amazon Rain forest
Amazon Rain Forest is the world’s largest rain forest covering 40% of South America. It provides home to a variety of species, in fact it is the home of one-tenth of the known species on earth. Through scientific research scientists have established a clear link between the health of the Amazon and the integrity of the global environment. This magnificent forest is facing the problem of deforestation, as its mast land of trees providing homes to animals are being cut down. Scientist estimates an annual of 5,800 square miles being cut down. At this rate, by 2030 55% of the forest could be already gone. This rain forest is home to millions of animal and the destruction of this forest can cause biodiversity to disappear at a drastic rate.
Why is this vast land of tree disappearing? It is mainly because of short term economic gain. Huge areas of tropical forest have been converted to cattle ranches in Central America, for soy bean production in Brazil and for pulpwood and palm oil plantations in Indonesia. Without thinking about the future and the effect of deforestation, we are destroying this vast land full of biodiversity
In conclusion ask yourself these questions:
With the rainforest gone what will happen to vast number of species that reside there? Where will those that that survive live? What will happen to happen to the beautiful biodiversity that earth hold?
Now look deep your heart and answer this truthfully, “Are we invasive creatures?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzK2XITThZM
http://www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm
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While I do agree with your comment on how humans do not necessarily live in harmony with the other living things around them, I still do not believe that humans only cause chaos and destruction. Human nature may bind us to do things that hurt the environment some still consider the after effects of our actions. We as humans still have needs we have to satisfy, the only problem is when we overstep our boundaries and start to do harm to others.
ReplyDeleteI do like how you presented facts about the bio diversity in the rainforest. I think some people over look the fact of how many different species live there. It gives us a visual representation of what deforestation actually hurts.
The video you posted seemed to really fit in with the ideas you were trying to get across. It showed the grim reality of what deforestation really does to our planet. It is very disturbing to see this done; especially your comment of losing that many species per day.
I believe that we are invasive creatures but I think more and more people are starting to realize what’s really going on more and more. Slowly we are starting to take action and I think that is all we can expect from now. Overall I think your post was a great insight on the dangers of deforestation as it served as a wonderful eye opener.
The existence of the rain forest has indeed been jeopardized by the carelessness that humans have practiced in its deforestation activities. As the "lungs of the earth," providing more than twenty percent of the world's production of oxygen, its role in the natural ecosystem doubtlessly invaluable. Truly, the causes of its rapid destruction can and only be attributed to humanity. Although you have produced an impressive argument with regards to the destructive contribution we have made to the environment, I have to disagree with you on the note that human nature should be branded as: “invasive species,” only solely based on their nature, without considering other factors. You have echoed the fact that the presence of human can only be destructive. However throughout the very early history of humanities, humans have lived in excellent harmony with nature. It is only until recently in human history, particularly in the agricultural and industrial revolution that our actions have become increasingly destructive. It is true that we have indeed caused countless species’ extinction. However, it is only through our ACTIONS and not our NATURE or PRESENCE that we are invasive. You quoted the following statement: “Now look deep your heart and answer this truthfully. Are we invasive creatures?” It seems that this statement is trying to communicate that human can only be invasive species and never stewards of the world. In that case your statement would have sealed the inevitable fate of all of humanity and living beings in the sense that there is no HOPE. Our presence efforts and the contributions made by ecologist and environmental activist can only be put in vain.
ReplyDeleteHowever, other than this dispute, you have produced an excellent argument on the impacts and manner that humans have destroyed the Amazon forest. We as reformed stewards of the world should take actions to prevent this destruction.
I find it ironic that the only positive thing coming out of deforestation is the rise of a country's economy. I just hope that humanity soon realizes that it's more than just the animal's habitats we are ruining and the money we gain. In the long run we are hurting ourselves. Twenty percent of oxygen production of the Amazon is being reduced with every chop of a tree, in a few years that whole production would be gone if we continue with our ways.
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