Many
people are helping to make the world a better place, but humanity as a whole is
making it difficult for other living creatures that share our planet to survive.
As humans clear the land to build, and pollute the land, air and water, wildlife
habitats are being destroyed. Some scientists estimate that each year 140,000
species of plants and animals become extinct -- there are no more of those kinds
of plants or animals left on the planet! Scientists estimate that if we keep doing
what we're doing, 20% of all living species will be extinct in 30 years, and half
of all living species will be extinct within the next century!
Some
are concerned about the welfare of plants, animals, microorganisms and their ecosystems
for the sake of these other living creatures -- humans are not the only ones with
the right to live on the planet. But others point out that protecting other living
creatures and their habitats also protects us -- we need a clean environment for
our own health, and other living creatures are essential for our food and medicine
and other important resources.
Recognizing
the importance of protecting other living species, 150 nations signed the Convention
on Biological Diversity at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. One definition of "biological
diversity" or "biodiversity" is the totality of genes, species,
and ecosystems of a region, and this document helps set up real and tangible goals
for nations to achieve in order to protect living species and their habitats.
Biological Diversity Day (or BioDiversity Day), observed on May 22, is an opportunity
to promote the conservation of biological diversity and to advocate for the sustainable
and equitable use of the resources of the natural environment.
