1. INTRODUCTION
Biodiversity means the colossal variety of animals and plants on the earth including the areas where they are found. Homo sapiens are also animals. Therefore, the loss of biodiversity cannot be treated separately. Correctly so, the Convention on Biological Diversity's 'Global Biodiversity Outlook 3' report through their website available at http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/biodiversity/ (2004), states that” We can no longer see the continued loss of biodiversity as an issue separate from the core concerns of society: to tackle poverty, to improve the health, prosperity, and security of present and future generations, and to deal with climate change. Each of those objectives is undermined by current trends in the state of our ecosystems, and each will be greatly strengthened if we finally give biodiversity the priority it deserves”. As such, the human dimension is the single most important factor that contributes to the loss of biodiversity. The ever-increasing population is responsible for the increasing consumption of natural resources. Buying more than required, consuming more energy at home, and driving highly sophisticated vehicles are some of the things we do to increase the speed of species loss.
Biodiversity means the colossal variety of animals and plants on the earth including the areas where they are found. Homo sapiens are also animals. Therefore, the loss of biodiversity cannot be treated separately. Correctly so, the Convention on Biological Diversity's 'Global Biodiversity Outlook 3' report through their website available at http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/biodiversity/ (2004), states that” We can no longer see the continued loss of biodiversity as an issue separate from the core concerns of society: to tackle poverty, to improve the health, prosperity, and security of present and future generations, and to deal with climate change. Each of those objectives is undermined by current trends in the state of our ecosystems, and each will be greatly strengthened if we finally give biodiversity the priority it deserves”. As such, the human dimension is the single most important factor that contributes to the loss of biodiversity. The ever-increasing population is responsible for the increasing consumption of natural resources. Buying more than required, consuming more energy at home, and driving highly sophisticated vehicles are some of the things we do to increase the speed of species loss.
2. CAUSES OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS
As an individual, I buy the United Nations’ Third Global Biodiversity Outlook (2010) which attributes the loss of biodiversity to the five principal pressures namely, (1) habitat loss and degradation; (2) climate change; (3) excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution; (4) over-exploitation and unsustainable use and (5) invasive alien species which are all coincident to human population growth. The report also explains how the loss of diversity is increasing throughout the globe (Figure 1).
An outline of how the principal pressures contribute to biodiversity loss is as follows:
2.1. Habitat loss and degradation
There is no disagreement that habitat loss and habitat degradation are the most important threat to biodiversity. The growth of the human population impinges on the habitat of other living beings on the surface of the earth and it is perhaps the main cause of the loss of biodiversity. The population has exacerbated every other factor and has given way to a perpetual hunt for more arable territory for food production and farm animals grazing, and for fuel wood, construction, and energy. Save havens for biodiversity that were never disturbed in the past are now being transformed to suit the human needs for agriculture and other farming activities. Forested lands are stripped of woods and mines and quarries are established to overcome the energy needs of the ever-increasing human population that include me. Homo sapiens, by nature, are selfish, greedy, and uncompromising and tend to inhabit areas of high biodiversity that have relatively rich soils and other facilities suitable for human activities that threaten the very survival of biodiversity. Most often, the areas occupied by humans are known to have numerous endemic species as demonstrated by Balmford, et al., (2001) in a given tropical area.
There is no disagreement that habitat loss and habitat degradation are the most important threat to biodiversity. The growth of the human population impinges on the habitat of other living beings on the surface of the earth and it is perhaps the main cause of the loss of biodiversity. The population has exacerbated every other factor and has given way to a perpetual hunt for more arable territory for food production and farm animals grazing, and for fuel wood, construction, and energy. Save havens for biodiversity that were never disturbed in the past are now being transformed to suit the human needs for agriculture and other farming activities. Forested lands are stripped of woods and mines and quarries are established to overcome the energy needs of the ever-increasing human population that include me. Homo sapiens, by nature, are selfish, greedy, and uncompromising and tend to inhabit areas of high biodiversity that have relatively rich soils and other facilities suitable for human activities that threaten the very survival of biodiversity. Most often, the areas occupied by humans are known to have numerous endemic species as demonstrated by Balmford, et al., (2001) in a given tropical area.
The information available from their website http://www.rainforestconservation.org/ (2004), asserts that 1700, the estimated human population was 600,000 million in 1700, and in 1800, it was estimated at one billion. But now the population exceeds six billion, and by 2100, the minimum expected population is 12 billion. It remains to be answered whether the earth can resist such a number. Will the birds be able to migrate, will the larger organisms have space to survive, and will the ecosystem survive like its current form or are they doomed to disappear?
However, the case of Bhutan is different because our population is just over 600000 people and we hardly exert pressure on the wild animal habitats. About 81 percent of the country is under forest cover out of which 51 percent is under the protected area systems which are guided by stringent rules. Therefore, my contribution to the loss of biodiversity using the most important factor “habitat loss and degradation” is minimum considering my country’s constant effort to maintain the status quo of the ecosystem.
However, the case of Bhutan is different because our population is just over 600000 people and we hardly exert pressure on the wild animal habitats. About 81 percent of the country is under forest cover out of which 51 percent is under the protected area systems which are guided by stringent rules. Therefore, my contribution to the loss of biodiversity using the most important factor “habitat loss and degradation” is minimum considering my country’s constant effort to maintain the status quo of the ecosystem.
2.2. Climate change
Climate change is a change in global climate patterns apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards, attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels. Recent studies have pointed out that climate changes have effects on biodiversity. Root, et al. (2003) gathered data on how the plants and animals responded to climate changes and they found that as many as 80 percent of their study sample had undergone temperature-related changes in physiology. Many amphibians and reptile species are on the decline. Bufo periglenes, the Golden Toad of Costa Rica is extinct and scientists believe that it so happened due to the decline in fog regularity in its cloud forest habitat. Parmesan and Yohe (2003), demonstrated that at least 279 species in their sample had a biological effect due to climate change.
It is needless to mention here that the migratory patterns of some birds around the world are shifting and the populations of the species are declining. The population of Balck-necked Cranes, Grus nigricollis, is in decline in their wintering habitats in Bhutan and they are seen in new areas where they never use to visit in the past.
The other effect of climate change is an increase in infectious diseases. It is so because the contributing agents are affected by rainfall, humidity, and shift in temperature. For example, Phytophthora cinnamon, a fungus is known to have eaten up many Eucalyptus forests in Australia. Further, pathogens are expected to expand their geographical range with the moderation of climate which can encourage pathogens to find new hosts that cannot resist their presence. Harvell, et al., (2002), attributes several amphibian declines to the infections caused by chytrid fungi, that’s known to increase at cooler temperatures.
The effect of climate change on Bhutan is not so much different. Reports on reduced glaciers in the Bhutan Himalayas, availability of mosquitoes in those areas where mosquitoes were not found in the past and increased incidences of floods and erosion (compared to the past), and changes in rainfall patterns are available in media, journals, and the official documents which serve as the examples of effect due to climate change. However, as far as the contribution to climate change is concerned, Bhutan does not do much to its climate because of obvious reasons such as low population density, strict conservation rules, and strong nature-based culture. One can conclude climate change is the result of the developing actions of the already developed countries and the developing countries which emit lots of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and global warming associated gas such as nitrogen, methane, etcetera.
2.3. Excessive nutrient load and other forms of pollution
It is proven that biological systems do not respond very fast to changes in the surrounding environment. Human activities influence the natural surroundings producing negative, direct, or indirect, effects that modify the flow of energy, the chemical and physical constitution of the environment, and the abundance of the species. As such, many species that suffer from pollution-related threats slowly disappear. Freshwater ecosystems are dying due to the excessive addition of pollutants by the human population. Scientists put that close to 12 percent of animal species live in the freshwater ecosystem while most others depend on them to some extent which is why the pollution of the freshwater ecosystem is important. Developing countries are known to dump about 90 percent of their wastewater without treating it to the direct waterways adding lots of nutrients into the water system that can potentially threaten the survival of the species. In terrestrial ecosystems, plant compositions are changed due to added nutrients of humans replacing the natural vegetation. For example, grasses and sedges gain at the expense of dwarf shrubs, mosses, and lichens.
Species changes in temperate ecosystems are known to be caused by nitrogen deposition and this may be a more serious threat than the loss in high-latitude boreal forests, Mediterranean systems, some tropical savannas, and montane forests.
2.4. Over-exploitation and unsustainable use
The increase in human population has resulted in growth in agriculture and that has led to massive exploitation and conversion of wild lands to farmlands, diversions of water from permanent lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers simultaneously polluting water and land resources with pesticides, fertilizers, and animal wastes. The end product of such exploitation has been the destruction, disturbance, or disabling of terrestrial ecosystems and pollution.
The increase in human population has resulted in growth in agriculture and that has led to massive exploitation and conversion of wild lands to farmlands, diversions of water from permanent lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers simultaneously polluting water and land resources with pesticides, fertilizers, and animal wastes. The end product of such exploitation has been the destruction, disturbance, or disabling of terrestrial ecosystems and pollution.
As such, over-exploitation and destructive harvesting methods for shortcut gains threaten the world's biodiversity and ecosystems. Notably, significant destruction is found in fisheries management which is now improving, and bush meat hunting which is supposed to be happening at unsustainable levels. However, an ecosystem with considerable pressure is thought to be a marine ecosystem that has a drastic fall in the fish catch despite more efforts.
2.5. Invasive alien species
Global Biodiversity Outlook 3 (2010) states that “Invasive alien species continue to be a major threat to all types of ecosystems and species. There are no signs of a significant reduction of this pressure on biodiversity, and some indications that it is increasing. Intervention to control alien invasive species has been successful in particular cases, but it is outweighed by the threat to biodiversity from new invasions.” The details of the report show the further state that “In a sample of 57 countries, more than 542 alien species, including vascular plants, marine and freshwater fish, mammals, birds, and amphibians, with a demonstrated impact on biodiversity have been found, with an average of over 50 such species per country (and a range from nine to over 220). This is most certainly an underestimate, as it excludes many alien species whose impact has not yet been examined, and includes countries known to lack data on alien species.”
Global Biodiversity Outlook 3 (2010) states that “Invasive alien species continue to be a major threat to all types of ecosystems and species. There are no signs of a significant reduction of this pressure on biodiversity, and some indications that it is increasing. Intervention to control alien invasive species has been successful in particular cases, but it is outweighed by the threat to biodiversity from new invasions.” The details of the report show the further state that “In a sample of 57 countries, more than 542 alien species, including vascular plants, marine and freshwater fish, mammals, birds, and amphibians, with a demonstrated impact on biodiversity have been found, with an average of over 50 such species per country (and a range from nine to over 220). This is most certainly an underestimate, as it excludes many alien species whose impact has not yet been examined, and includes countries known to lack data on alien species.”
3. AFFECT OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS ON HUMANITY
Biodiversity is the web of life that must be as far as possible be kept undisturbed. It is the resource upon which families, communities, nations, and future generations would depend. It is the link between all organisms on earth, binding each into an interdependent ecosystem, in which all species have their role. It is Earth’s natural assets in the form of plants, animals, land, water, and the atmosphere including humans. Together we all form part of the planet’s ecosystems, which means if there is a biodiversity crisis, our health and livelihoods are at risk too. Therefore, biodiversity is important for humanity in all forms.
The function of biodiversity in the form of ecosystem services has been classified as life-supporting (Nutrient Cycling, Primary Production, and Soil Formation), provisioning (Food, Freshwater, Wood Fiber, and Fuel), Regulating (Climate Regulation, Flood Regulation, Disease Regulation, and Water Purification) and Cultural (Aesthetic, Spiritual, Educational and Recreational). Looking at its function, biodiversity can be considered the basis of human existence, our life support system. Ecosystems regulate climatic processes, break down wastes and recycle nutrients, filter and purify water, buffer against flooding, maintain soil fertility, purify the air, and provide natural resources such as wood, textiles, and of course food. All agriculture depends fundamentally on biodiversity, as do marine and freshwater food resources. With all this explanation, in brief, the importance of biodiversity to an individual human or the whole race is unquestionable.
4. HOW TO COMBAT BIODIVERSITY LOSS
There are many things that you can do to help curb biodiversity loss. The information available at their website http://www.rainforestconservation.org/ (2004), proposes the following activities to curb biodiversity loss:
i. finding alternatives to land-use change and habitat destruction
ii. identification of “biodiversity hot spots,”
iii. habitat and ecosystem restoration
iv. careful planning of land-use changes and consideration of the consequences of biodiversity change during this planning
v. setting aside various kinds of habitats as conservation reserves, parks, and wildlife refuges
vi. utilization of managed forests
vii. approaching conservation comprehensively
viii. cooperation of the development-assistance community
ix. utilization of community-based projects
x. integrated conservation and development projects (ICDP)
xi. making the public, government policymakers, and land managers aware of the global and local consequences of biodiversity changes, both social and environmental
xii. collaboration of scientists with governments to determine policies that will reduce biodiversity loss and environmental deterioration
xiii. train, fund, and give authority to conservation professionals
xiv. formation of an international body which would assess alterations in biodiversity and their consequences
xv. establishment of international agreements
xvi. allocation of adequate funds for scientific research on biodiversity, and for the distribution and analysis of the data obtained
There are many things that you can do to help curb biodiversity loss. The information available at their website http://www.rainforestconservation.org/ (2004), proposes the following activities to curb biodiversity loss:
i. finding alternatives to land-use change and habitat destruction
ii. identification of “biodiversity hot spots,”
iii. habitat and ecosystem restoration
iv. careful planning of land-use changes and consideration of the consequences of biodiversity change during this planning
v. setting aside various kinds of habitats as conservation reserves, parks, and wildlife refuges
vi. utilization of managed forests
vii. approaching conservation comprehensively
viii. cooperation of the development-assistance community
ix. utilization of community-based projects
x. integrated conservation and development projects (ICDP)
xi. making the public, government policymakers, and land managers aware of the global and local consequences of biodiversity changes, both social and environmental
xii. collaboration of scientists with governments to determine policies that will reduce biodiversity loss and environmental deterioration
xiii. train, fund, and give authority to conservation professionals
xiv. formation of an international body which would assess alterations in biodiversity and their consequences
xv. establishment of international agreements
xvi. allocation of adequate funds for scientific research on biodiversity, and for the distribution and analysis of the data obtained
5. CONCLUSION
All forms of life on earth are interconnected by a web called biodiversity which is defined as a variety of plants and animals including the places where they are found. The actions of the human race are very important for the conservation of biodiversity as much the importance of biodiversity to the human race. Therefore, conserving biodiversity is very important.
All forms of life on earth are interconnected by a web called biodiversity which is defined as a variety of plants and animals including the places where they are found. The actions of the human race are very important for the conservation of biodiversity as much the importance of biodiversity to the human race. Therefore, conserving biodiversity is very important.
The contributions of humans to biodiversity loss are enormous because every loss of species is directly or indirectly associated with human actions. It is we humans who cause habitat loss and degradation due to the ever-increasing population; it is we who induce climate change by emitting greenhouse gases through the release of pollutants. We are responsible for loading the river systems and the land with excessive nutrients and other forms of pollution and also we introduce invasive alien species to replace the natural species. Therefore, the contribution of human beings to the loss of biodiversity is enormous. The loss of biodiversity due to human action is un-debatable but without biodiversity, the human race may not survive. Hence, it is important to conserve biodiversity for humanity as a whole.
6. REFERENCES
Balmford, A. Moore, J.L. Brooks, T. Burgess, N. Hansen, L.A. Williams, P. et al. (2001) ‘Conservation conflicts across Africa’, Science (291): 2616–2619.
Root, T.L. Price, J.T. Hall, K.R. Schneider, S. H. Rosenzweig, C. and Pounds, J.A. (2003) ‘Fingerprints of global warming on wild animals and plants Nature (421): 57-60.
Parmesan C. and Yohe G. (2003). A globally coherent fingerprint of climate change impacts across natural systems. Nature (421): 37–42.
Harvell, C.D. Mitchell, C.E. Ward, J.R. Altizer, S. Dobson, A.P. Ostfeld, R.S. and Samuel, M.D. (2002) ‘Climate warming and disease risks for terrestrial and marine biota’ Science (296, 2):158–2,162.
Anup, S. Global Issues (2001). Social, Political, Economic, and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All. Available at: http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions/ Assessed on 29th November 2013).
Biodiversity: the magic of our planet (2004). Available at: http://wwf.panda.org/aboutourearth/biodiversity/ (Assessed on 29th November, 2013)
Eco-Questions (2013). Available at: http://www.eco-question.com/what-are-the-main-causes-of-biodiversity-loss/ (Assessed on 28th November 2013).
Rainforest conservation organization (2012). Available at: http://www.rainforestconservation.org/rainforest-primer/2-biodiversity/g-recent-losses-in-biodiversity/5-causes-of-recent-declines-in-biodiversity/ (Assessed on 29th November, 2013)
Parmesan C. and Yohe G. (2003). A globally coherent fingerprint of climate change impacts across natural systems. Nature (421): 37–42.
Harvell, C.D. Mitchell, C.E. Ward, J.R. Altizer, S. Dobson, A.P. Ostfeld, R.S. and Samuel, M.D. (2002) ‘Climate warming and disease risks for terrestrial and marine biota’ Science (296, 2):158–2,162.
Anup, S. Global Issues (2001). Social, Political, Economic, and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All. Available at: http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions/ Assessed on 29th November 2013).
Biodiversity: the magic of our planet (2004). Available at: http://wwf.panda.org/aboutourearth/biodiversity/ (Assessed on 29th November, 2013)
Eco-Questions (2013). Available at: http://www.eco-question.com/what-are-the-main-causes-of-biodiversity-loss/ (Assessed on 28th November 2013).
Rainforest conservation organization (2012). Available at: http://www.rainforestconservation.org/rainforest-primer/2-biodiversity/g-recent-losses-in-biodiversity/5-causes-of-recent-declines-in-biodiversity/ (Assessed on 29th November, 2013)
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