What is Biodiversity?
The term biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that sustain life.
Biodiversity includes not only species we consider rare, threatened, or endangered but also every living thing—from humans to organisms we know little about, such as microbes, fungi, and invertebrates.
Why Biodiversity is Important?
Biodiversity is important to most aspects of our lives. We value biodiversity for many reasons, it provides us food, fuel, shelter, and medicine, it also helpful for pollination, seed dispersal, climate regulation, water purification, nutrient cycling, and control of agricultural pests. Biodiversity has cultural value to humans as well, for spiritual or religious reasons for instance. The different values placed on biodiversity are important because they can influence the conservation decisions people make every day.
Threats to Biodiversity
Over the last century, humans have come to dominate the planet, causing rapid ecosystem change and massive loss of biodiversity across the planet. This has led some people to refer to the time we now live in as the “Anthropocene.” While the Earth has always experienced changes and extinctions, The underlying causes of biodiversity loss, such as a growing human population and overconsumption are often complex and stem from many interrelated factors.
What can We do to save Biodiversity?
• Use Natural Water - We must use natural water sources when we are on tour. If we want to carry water we must use reusable bottles and refill at the tap.
• Become Supporter of Organic - We must become supporter of organic food. We should avoid to usage of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
• Choose Cloth Bag Only- Plastic bags are everywhere — they get caught in trees and they clog our waterways. Paper bags come with a significant environmental impact as well, made out of tree pulp and utilizing energy to produce. Best is to bring a cloth bag instead of plastic or paper...or choose no bag!
• Say No to Disposable Cups and Dishes- Start your day by breaking free of the disposable habit. Using a refillable mug for tea or coffee reduces waste and energy consumption — even recycled paper cups, dishes for snacks utilize energy and resources to produce.
• Plant Native Plant - Landscaping with native plants requires minimal maintenance and enhances wildlife habitat. Contact your local botanical garden, arboretum, or native plant nursery for information about what grows best in your area and the habitat requirements of different plant species
• Choose Eco Friendly- A variety of products (toothpaste, shampoo, body lotion etc.) contain not only harmful chemicals, but also palm oil. Due to a rapid increase in demand, clearing land for palm oil plantations has become one of the world's leading drivers of deforestation - releasing carbon into the atmosphere and destroying habitats. Consider switching to eco-friendly products for your daily beauty routine! Also consider eco-friendly fashion lines and eco-friendly home decor.
• Be Vegetarian - Livestock production is one of the major causes of the world's most pressing environmental problems, including climate change, land degradation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Reducing our meat consumption and making wise choices can encourage more sustainable livestock management. Many fish and shellfish species have been severely overharvested, and some fish farming practices are polluting or unsustainable.To make informed choices, consult one of these sustainable seafood guides: Blue Ocean Institute, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Environmental Defense.
• Choose Green Energy - Green power is supplied in whole or in part from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, geothermal, and hydropower, all of which come with fewer negative environmental impacts. For more information visit the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and ask your power company about purchasing green power!
