New era · new values · new ideas
The Sixth Great Extinction is the first extinction caused and influenced by human beings. We must take action now to preserve endangered species.
Mass extinction – Thousands of species lost each year More
Endangered species – 20,000 species classified as threatened More
Human impact – First extinction caused and influenced by human beings via destruction of habitat, invasive species, pollution, overconsumption, trade, agriculture, climate change, ocean acidification, urbanization and increased demand for natural resources
Value to society – Genetic diversity of the different species provides the raw ingredients for new medicines, commercial crops and livestock. The total economic value of pollination by insects worldwide is estimated to c. $200 billion More
Arid ecosystems – More species allow for better functioning in arid ecosystems, which support nearly 40% of the world’s human population More