Are we living through another mass extinction? A study confirms the 6th mass extinction of terrestrial species. This activity is thought to be due to human activity, which has taken place at an unbridled pace over the last few centuries.
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As a reminder, our Earth has already experienced 5 mass extinctions in the past. And it could go from bad to worse. At least that's what a study by the University of Hawaii at Manoa suggests.
Sixth mass extinction
Robert Cowie, one of the lead authors of the study, said in a statement:
Species extinction rates have increased dramatically and the decline in abundance of many plant and animal populations is well documented, but some deny that these events amount to a mass extinction.
This finding should immediately alarm us, as many species have already disappeared. It also raises the question of how life quickly reappeared after the extinction of the dinosaurs. Especially since scientists have still not reached a consensus on the explanation for this extinction.
The study explains how the presence of invertebrates could prove the mass extinction of the Earth. Possible explanations for this are—the eruption of a volcano, or other natural phenomena. However, this time, the extinction in progress concerns human activity.
The study states that:
The inclusion of invertebrates was essential to confirm that we are in fact witnessing the beginning of the sixth mass extinction event on Earth.
Scientists are still said to be in a denial mode.
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Biased red list
However, the red list is heavily biased. The sample size for the study consisted of almost all birds and mammals, but only a small fraction of invertebrates is assessed. According to the same researchers, the fate of these endangered species is in our hands.
Cowie adds:
To deny the crisis, to accept it and do nothing about it, or to embrace it and manipulate it for the fickle benefit of people, is an abrogation of moral responsibility.
