Giraffes and parrots among the endangered species.
It is estimated that at this time, there are only about 600 West African giraffes left in the wild.
About a million species are on the verge of extinction, according to a report by IPBES, an independent, UN-backed intergovernmental science and policy body.
The IUCN list
It might be surprising to learn that even giraffes and parrots are included in the endangered species list, as are oaks, cacti and seaweed.
Seaweeds are one of the planet's great survivors, and relatives of some modern algae can be traced back to about 1,6 billion years.
Seaweeds play a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitats and food for marine life forms, while large varieties – such as seaweeds – act as underwater nurseries for fish. However, mechanical dredging, rising sea temperatures and the construction of coastal infrastructure are contributing to the species' decline.
The world's trees are threatened by a variety of sources, including logging, deforestation for industry and agriculture, firewood for heating and cooking, and climate-related threats such as wildfires.
It is estimated that 31% of the 430 types of oak in the world are threatened with extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. And 41% are of “conservation concern”, mainly due to deforestation for agriculture and fuel for cooking.
Giraffes are a target for their meat and suffer from habitat degradation due to unsustainable logging and increased demand for agricultural land; it is estimated that there are only about 600 West African giraffes left in the wild.
Catastrophic results for humanity
The current biodiversity crisis will be exacerbated, with catastrophic results for humanity, unless humans interact with nature in a more sustainable way, according to UN experts.
“The IPBES report makes it very clear that wild species are an indispensable source of food, shelter and income for hundreds of millions of people around the world.”
“Sustainable use is when biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are maintained while contributing to human well-being.”
“By continuing to use these resources unsustainably, we are not only risking the loss and damage of these species; we are affecting our own health and well-being and that of future generations.”
Said Susan Gardner, director of the Ecosystems Division of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
indigenous knowledge
The report illustrates the importance of indigenous peoples being able to secure tenure rights over their lands, as they have long understood the value of wild species and learned to use them sustainably.
Examples of the types of transformative changes needed to reduce biodiversity loss include an equitable distribution of costs and benefits, changes in social values and effective governance systems.
Currently, governments around the world spend over 500 billion dollars every year on ways that harm biodiversity to support industries such as fossil fuels, agriculture and fisheries.
Experts say these funds should be repurposed to encourage regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems and positive innovations for nature.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, human greed is enormous and as the saying goes “the greatest blind is the one who does not want to see”. With this addition of more endangered species, such as the giraffe, the IUCN red list, one has to be completely blind not to realize that we are jeopardizing our very existence.
Unfortunately, as long as human beings continue on this path of exacerbated consumerism and do not stop to look at what is happening around them, we will continue on the path of destruction ourselves and soon Homo Sapiens will be added to the IUCN list, as “extinct species".
What do you think about this situation? Can you imagine Africa without giraffes? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
Picture: © UN
