Transcript:
This is the Earth. We share this planet with nearly two million species of plants and animals. At least, that's how many have been identified so far. Scientists still routinely discover new species.
As the following maps from the Atlas of Global Conservation reveal, humans are responsible for some 140,000 species disappearing each year. That's why some scientists call the present era the Anthropocene, or the era of humanity. We are the dominant force on the planet—for good and for ill.
One of the primary reasons for this is numbers. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were only one and half billion people on the planet. Today, there are nearly seven billion. Population growth rates have slowed, but we can expect nine billion people by 2050.
It's not just sheer numbers, of course. It's also consumption. The richer denizens of the world consume more of everything—from water to precious metals. As a result, much of the world bears the imprint of human activity, whether that be plastic pollution in the middle of the ocean or cleared forests for farmland.
It's that need for agriculture that is the primary driver of habitat fragmentation, which is, in turn, the primary reason that so many of our fellow species are dwindling. Their homes have either disappeared or shrunk as agriculture spreads.
But we're also having outsize impacts on planet-size systems, like the climate. That's thanks to us burning fossil fuels—adding one extra molecule of CO2 for every 10,000 molecules of air over the last 300 years.
That seemingly small addition means big change for potentially every living thing on the planet. And there's less biodiversity around to help animals and plants adapt to this changing world, again due to our impact on the planet's lands and waters. But there are still places here with a rich tapestry of unique flora and fauna.
And there are more and more areas of land permanently protected, in an attempt to allow natural spaces to be themselves, whether that's parts of the Amazon rainforest or the Tibetan Plateau. Some 15 million square kilometers are now protected, meaning we've left a little space for our planet-mates. After all, this is the only planet we've all got.
See what we're tweeting about
16 Comments
Add CommentWell, we have one option. We should expand to the universe.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDavid, outstanding message compressed into 2.5 minutes. The lose of species shows the urgency of climate action. - John Addison
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisB
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWe humans are the only species which do not learn from past mistakes. Is it a rocket science to work out that we must make an effort at least now to live in harmony with nature. How we can do that, certainly not by by pretending to be Green?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMy humble solution to this already grave situation we have created for us is to look at the cause of all this situation. We must use preventive approach and not the Band-Aid approach. This is only possible if we set aside all our vested interests. Please note communities/societies to combine in dire situations for the common good. So what are the causes:
1. Current corporate model based on profit maximisation needs to be changed.
2. Capitalism driving consumerism needs to be modified.
3. We must propogate Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God.
4. Others
To some of you the above solution may be amusing / impractical / difficult to implement /mad etc, but I sincerely feel this is part of the solution otherwise we all have to suffer the consequences. In my opinion our planet has got cancer (of greed, ego etc). Good Luck
Come on "We humans are the only species which do not learn from past mistakes" Have you tried telling fish not to bite fish hooks? They don't seem to have learnt from that past mistake. We learn better from history than other species, because not other species every learn anything at all from history!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThat said, the only way to get CO2 emissions to near zero is with non-fossil fuel energy, its impossible with any amount of conservation to achieve the necessary targets.
There is 10,000 times as much solar energy hitting the planet as humans use, so no need to conserve this!
You can't waste the sun.
I think now is almost impossible to save the planet.Everyone want to drive,everyone selfish in Malaysia!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThat�s right! There are many reasons why man has to expanse to the universe: The threath of direct comet strike. Evolution of new bakteria and viruses we can�t find a cure for - with or without human interaction. Just to name a few. Man has possiblities he cannot ignore if he want to survive. Even if he makes his best there is no guarantee for his survival.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisCapitalism is the the economic side of democracy, do you think democracy should be changed too?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisFROM : johnmcragin
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMalthuian calculus is indeed depressing. Too many people eating too much food (agrecultural production) is a consequence of over population. China has taken a responsible position -- procreate just enough to replace yourselves ! Maybe the Muslims think they have the solution when the US-born Imam gives them the go ahead to commit what he says is the will of God, "Murder everyone who is not like us." Ultimately mankind will consist of Muslims murdering Muslims for food and space. Shame on homo sapiens.
The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life and we humans, we destroyed it within ca.200 years. Congratulation for us. The 21st century will be the last one for humans if we cannot change of our consumer way of thinking. No more time for waiting
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThe Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life and we humans, we destroyed it within ca.200 years. Congratulation for us. The 21st century will be the last one for humans if we cannot change of our consumer way of thinking. No more time for waiting
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisCapitalism seems to be a name for our addiction to property and things. It can be (and is being) modified to show that profit for one is not really profitable when others suffer from lack of restraint and justice.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this-----Original Message-----
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisFrom: richardebridges@aol.com
To: ccu.moh@ontario.ca; mark.bonokoski@sunmedia.ca; macleans@cdsglobal.ca; mbryant.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org; dduncan.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org; dmann@northumberlandlaw.com; machambers.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org; mgee@globeandmail.com; mindy.jacobs@sunmedia.ca; mkwinter.mpp@liberal.ola.org; mmartin@northumberlandtoday.com; admin@porthope.ca; ahorwath-ap@ndp.on.ca; allan@joawamold.com; AttorneyGeneral@ontario.ca; avonteur@localdial.com; admin@onpea.org; bdanford@mykawartha.com; bill.murdockco@pc.ola.org; bt@citytv.com
Sent: Thu, May 6, 2010 4:03 am
Subject: Fwd: Child abuse including kidnapping by the Ontario Liberal Party and Liberal Government.
Just to show how useless these criminals are, this is just a small bit of what my family and I have been put through and nothing done, the big question is why no one does anything?
The first incident happened when my wife was alone at home with our newborn son and a work crew from the Town of Port Hope attacked our home causing about $5000.00 in damages, then the Port Hope Police wanted a bribe before they would do anything in an abuse and kidnapping incident.
One remarkable incident was when The County of Northumberland, gave me a signed confession and no one would do anything including the law firm hired to help, anyone want more info just ask I don't run away.
R. Bridges.
-----Original Message-----
From: richardebridges@aol.com
To: Feedback@ontario.ca
Sent: Thu, Apr 29, 2010 5:47 am
Subject: Re: Child abuse including kidnapping..
I have contacted them many times--they have done nothing. In Ontario it is ok to commit crimes against fathers and children and our government lets the criminals go free, WHY.
Richard E. Bridges.
-----Original Message-----
From: Feedback (MGS) <Feedback@ontario.ca>
To: richardebridges@aol.com
Sent: Thu, Apr 29, 2010 5:30 am
Subject: RE: Child abuse including kidnapping..
Thank you for contacting ServiceOntario.
Criminal activity is the responsibility of the Police. If you have a complaint concerning police services, please see:
Office of the Independent Police Review Director
55 Bay Street, 10th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 2TA
(416)246-7076
(416)327-8332 Fax
Toll Free across Ontario
1-877-411-4773
1-877-415-4773 Fax
1-877-414-4773 TTY
Email: OIPRD@ontario.ca
http://www.oiprd.on.ca/cms/
We hope you find this information helpful.
Jean-Fran�ois
ServiceOntario -- making it easier
Visit us at: www.ServiceOntario.ca
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From: richardebridges@aol.com [mailto:richardebridges@aol.com]
Sent: April 26, 2010 2:16 PM
To: Feedback (MGS)
Subject: Re: Child abuse including kidnapping..
My concern is not about the training, police receive but their criminal activity and as to why no one cares?
R. Bridges.
-----Original Message-----
From: Feedback (MGS) <Feedback@ontario.ca>
To: richardebridges@aol.com
Sent: Tue, Apr 20, 2010 8:51 am
Subject: RE: Child abuse including kidnapping..
Thank you for contacting ServiceOntario.
We apologize for the delay in responding.
For information concerning training received by police officers, please contact:
Ontario Police College
10716 Hacienda Rd
PO Box 1190
Aylmer West ON N5H 2T2
(519) 773-5361 General Inquiry
We hope you find this information helpful.
Jean-Fran�ois
ServiceOntario -- making it easier
Visit us at: www.ServiceOntario.ca
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: richardebridges@aol.com [mailto:richardebridges@aol.com]
Sent: April 15, 2010 11:19 AM
To: eac-eletter@angelnexus.com; eargyris@northumberlandtoday.com; ed@onpea.org; eDITORIALS@GLOBEANDMAIL.COM; elizabeth.podnieks@utoronto.ca; emailtom@cox.net; f4l_list@fathersforlife.org; Francois.Cherestal@newswire.ca; avonteur@localdial.com; gjackson@porthope.ca; Gisele.Forsey@ombudsman.gc.ca; hrtoregistrar@ontario.ca; hrtoregistrar@aol.ca; info@canadacourtwatch.com; info@ontpress.com; jbeneteau@northumberlandnews.com; jenny.yuen@sunmedia.ca; jomeara@northumberlandnews.com; jonathan.jenkins@sunmedia.ca; Julia_Hornowska@ontarioliberal.ca; jwong@ombudsman.on.ca; jomeara@northumberlandnews.com; jsimpson@globeandmail.com; info@allmetroparalegal.com; info@eldersafe.com; info@fathers-resources.com; info@ontarioliberal.ca
Subject: Fwd: Child abuse including kidnapping..
-----Original Message-----
From: richardebridges@aol.com
To: admin@onpea.org; admin@porthope.ca; administration@abusedhusbands.org; ahorwath-ap@ndp.on.ca; allan@joawamold.com; Amelie.Brisebois@ombudsman.gc.ca; AttorneyGeneral@ontario.ca; bdanford@mykawartha.com; bigwonderwoman@gmail.com; bill.murdockco@pc.ola.org; bt@citytv.com; BKay@nationalpost.ca; bkay@videotron.ca
Sent: Thu, Apr 15, 2010 3:59 am
Subject: Fwd: Child abuse including kidnapping..
What kind of world are we living in when the most disgusting situations occur, not by the average person but by our police, local governments, MPS and MPPS. I have been advised several times by police officers that they would like to help but have no idea of what to do, "but it is not our fault because none of us have had any training". ??
Any questions, contact me, email.
R. Bridges.
Cobourg Legion Village,
164-111 Hibernia Street,
Cobourg, ON, K9A-4Y7.
March 29, 2010,
Rick Norlock, MP.
277 Division Street, Unit #2,
Cobourg, ON, K9A-3R2.
Dear Rick Norlock, MP :
Thank you for you response to my letter of February 28, 2010, received March 29, 2010.
Being locked out of my Seniors apartment by Northumberland County and steeling everything I had left after the Port Hope Police stole my car for filing a complaint against them for doing nothing in the kidnapping of my son and the attack on me. Happened during the time period under the jurisdiction of the Ombudsmans mandate. Steeling my home and furnishings were prior to the mandate.
I understand you personally were involved in the cover-up of the investigation by Northumberland OPP when I filed a complaint against Northumberland County for the roll they played in the kidnapping and subsequent flight to Nova Scotia.
I have been advised that you were present at the time. If this information is incorrect please advise.
As you may remember, an investigation was started by Northumberland OPP, but then closed down when everyone realized that the County was involved. The inspecting officer was suddenly sent on holidays then transferred to Campbelford. I was then told to stay away from the office because nothing would be done.
It is amazing how many people have been involved, then ran and hid, when I was serving in the North Atlantic what would have happened if we had done the same?
Thank You,
Richard E. Bridges.
John Cragin AKA , johnmcragin sur-name @yahoo.com, 5/23.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMother Earth, in her quest to become a perfect sphere continues to wear away parts of wer surface that stick up to far; she doesn't depend on man to do that. The million years of the pleistocene epoch have seen four glacial ages, each followed by a warm Interglacial age. We are in the warm-up after the fourth "Wisconsin" ice age. In roughly 100,000 years, we will be in the deep freeze again but we will have burned everything enflamable for heat and water. God help us then!
How will humankind survive if human beings do not respect the planet we live in? We are the worst predators in this world, and the if we do not change our behavior there will be no way out.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYou are right,no argument there, your ideas are amusing, impractical, impossible to implement, mad, etc.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this@ Electric sheep:
"We have destroyed the earth in 200 years". It supports now more people than ever at a higher standard of living than ever. Without any disasters populations will start to drop soon by themselves.