Renowned primatologist and conservationist Dr Jane Goodall has sounded the alarm on the biodiversity crisis, warning that Earth is in the midst of the “sixth great extinction”. Unlike previous mass extinctions caused by natural events, this crisis is almost entirely human-induced. In an exclusive interview with BBCDr. Goodall stressed the humanitarian role in this crisis and the urgent need for action. Conservationists said the crisis, which is largely driven by human activities such as deforestation, threatens the survival of countless species and the delicate balance of ecosystems around the world.
“We are in the midst of the sixth great extinction. The more we can do to restore nature and protect existing forests, the better. Trees have to grow to a certain size before they can really do their job. But All this (tree-planting) is helping to absorb carbon dioxide,” Dr Goodall told Victoria Gill during an interview for BBC Radio 4’s Inside Science.
Dr. Goodall stressed the importance of taking immediate action to reduce global warming. He stressed that there is still a narrow window of opportunity to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, but it is closing rapidly.
“If we don’t come together and impose strict rules on what people can do to the environment – if we don’t move away from fossil fuels rapidly, if we don’t put a stop to industrial farming, this Destroying the environment and, he said, “destroying the soil, having a devastating impact on biodiversity – the future is ultimately ruined.”
Even at the age of 90, Dr. Jane Goodall shows no signs of slowing down in her tireless efforts for conservation and environmental advocacy. She strongly believes that if people care about the future of their children, they should demand stronger environmental laws. “Of course people want a future for their children. If they do, we have to be tough about (environmental) legislation. We don’t have much time left to start helping the environment. We’re destroying it. There’s been a lot to do.” He said.
What is the sixth mass extinction?
According to WWF, a mass extinction event is characterized by a significant loss of biodiversity in a relatively short geological period of time, resulting in the disappearance of a large percentage of specific species in various taxonomic groups, including bacteria, fungi, plants, mammals, birds, Is. Reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
Throughout Earth’s history, there have been five mass extinctions, the most recent of which occurred 65.5 million years ago, which famously wiped the dinosaurs out of existence. Now, experts warn that we are facing the sixth mass extinction event, driven primarily by human activities.
Climate change as well as unsustainable land, water and energy use are major factors. Currently, 40% of the Earth’s land has been converted to food production with serious environmental consequences. Agriculture is the primary driver of global deforestation, responsible for 90% of forest clearing. Furthermore, the region’s extreme water needs account for 70% of the planet’s freshwater use. These practices have devastating effects on ecosystems, causing large-scale habitat destruction and the displacement of countless species.
Scientists estimate that if immediate action is not taken, approximately one million species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. Conservationists are calling for stronger global policies, increased funding for conservation, and individual action to reduce human impact on the planet.
