17th March, 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
● The Problem: Rainforests are cut down, grasslands are turned into farms, and wetlands are drained. This destruction robs creatures of their homes. ● Why it matters: Each habitat is a unique world, and when we lose one, we lose the species specially adapted to it.
● The Problem: When a plant or animal is introduced to a new area, it can run wild, outcompeting and harming native species. ● Why it matters: Islands ecosystems are particularly vulnerable. Think rabbits introduced to Australia or the brown tree snake in Guam that wiped out many native birds.
● The Problem: Overhunting, overfishing, and unsustainable harvesting push animals and plants beyond their ability to recover. ● Why it matters: Rhinos are poached for horns, and exotic fish are taken for aquariums... these acts can remove species faster than they can reproduce.
● The Problem: Chemicals in waterways, plastic in the ocean, air pollution... all harm wildlife in countless ways. ● Why it matters: Pollution disrupts entire ecosystems, from declining frog populations to whales entangled in plastic.
● The Problem: Shifting temperatures, changing weather patterns, and rising sea levels disrupt delicate natural systems. ● Why it matters: Polar bears are losing ice, coral reefs are bleaching, and many species can't adapt fast enough.
● The Problem: The more people there are, the more resources we need, and the more waste we produce. This puts enormous pressure on biodiversity. ● Why it matters: Finding a balance between human needs and those of other species is vital for the planet's future.