If you’ve kept up with the news, then you know there’s been a lot of discussion about combating climate change. Unfortunately, we also find ourselves facing the sixth mass extinction event in the history of the world. And, as animals and insects die, we face the fact that we each have to do more. While we all know that we live in changing times, we have to believe things will get better. Thus, those who care in doing and being better understand that we have a responsibility to our communities. But, not only that. We also have a responsibility to our planet, all living creatures, and future generations.
The Sixth Mass Extinction Event Causes
As you know, Greta Thunberg has traveled the world, calling on global leaders to pay attention to the climate. Specific to the current moment, these reasons indicate we have entered into a time of mass extinction.
- Half of the animals are now extinct.
- The mass extinction threatens 26,500 species, but according to a report by the United Nations, it is 1 million species threatened.
- 40 percent of the insect species have experienced extinction.
- The mass extinction eliminated 90 amphibian species.
What’s more, as this Business Insider article notes, “The loss of even one species could also cause an ‘extinction domino effect’ to ripple through an ecosystem, causing the entire community to collapse.” One of the contributing factors to the mass extinction is climate change.
Climate Change and Its Impact on the Planet
According to World Wide Fund for Nature, climate change alters the timing of the life cycles of species. In turn, this causes animals and other species to change where they live. And, unfortunately, for many, it means their extinction. However, climate change not only plays a role in the current sixth mass extinction but also human challenges. For instance, climate change burdens people with flooding and extreme weather, such as hurricanes and droughts. Also, Americans pay a premium for weather disasters, which include crop failures and higher rates for insurance.
Our communities face an unprecedented moment in the planet’s history. Again, according to World Wide Fund for Nature, we face rising sea levels. In turn, that affects the lives of millions of people and wildlife who can experience the mass extinction. A 2-degree rise in water temperatures can make virtually all coral extinct. That same two-degree increase in water temperature means the artic will experience ice-free summers—within a decade. Finally, a two-degree rise in global temperature affects 2.7 billion people because of heatwaves.
How You Can Make A Positive Difference By Green Living
You can start today to make a positive difference for the environment and the planet. We can only hope that it’s not too late, and perhaps by each of us stepping up, we can stall the sixth mass extinction. And, since we’re all about action, the following are things you can do for green living.
- Help animals in danger of the mass extinction by supporting a group such as the World Wide Fund for Nature.
- Commit to doing your part—specifically—to combat climate change.
- Learn about green living activities for your family and workplace.
- Don’t contribute to activities that harm the planet, including animals in danger of extinction. One of those things is, of course, throwing textiles, such as clothing and shoes into the garbage. As a result, they end up in landfills. Items such as shoes take decades, or as long as a lifetime, to decompose. In the meantime, they release harmful toxins into the air, which causes climate change. And, of course, in turn, it is a contributing factor for the mass extinction. So, give unwanted shoes to your local nonprofit, charity, school, or faith-based group doing a shoe drive fundraiser.
In sum, we have to hope it’s not too late for many of the world’s animals and insects. Let’s each step up to help them from mass extinction. In doing so, we also aid our communities, families, and even future generations.
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