The Effects of Biodiversity Loss upon Human Civilization

Sean Whiteman
Mrs. Kocjan
ONeill C.V.I

Biodiversity loss is a major effect of environmental negligence that has

become more apparent. Throughout the article the dynamic effects
biodiversity and the lack of it has upon the four sectors of human society.
These include the, Political, Environmental, Economic and Social sectors. This
loss of biodiversity will lead to human practices changing soon or becoming
unmanageable within the global ecosystem.
Firstly,

the second with the most direct effects of biodiversity loss,

the environmental sector. An example of how important biodiversity is and

how devastating the lack of is upon the environment is how biodiversity loss
has effected plant productivity and decomposition. The effects of higher level
extinction, above 50% of species, is projected to have effects upon the
previous fields rivaling that of nutrient pollution, rising CO2 levels and
acidification (Figure 1). Of these comparisons biodiversitys effects become
evident and the seriousness of the matter must be addressed, as it is
currently not as seen by the failure to achieve the 2002 UN biodiversity
goals. The seriousness of the problem is accentuated by alarming statistics
of animal decline in mangroves, corals and sea grasses, all of which have lost
more than 20% of animal populations on average. Therefore, the loss of
biodiversity has immediate and serious effects upon the environment.
Secondly, within the political sector biodiversity losss effects are
evident. Some prominent and clearly visible direct effects are, the
polarization of political stances regarding the environment and social
resistance against anti-environmental projects are more likely. Within the

political stances regarding biodiversity loss and the environmental condition

as a whole is predominantly dominated by one stance, a stance that will not
change its practices. The reasons this stance is prevalent are, it is more
beneficial short-term, no risk and the long term is rendered unimportant due
to the short terms elected officials hold. Although, the stance appears
beneficial, it neglects long term issues, such as biodiversity loss, of which are
becoming more evident as the years continue. Therefore, the political sector
is either to undergo major reform in predominant ideologies or succumb to
social pressure as new politicians take their place.
Thirdly, within the social sector many of the issues spawned by the
overbearing problem of biodiversity loss heavily mirror those of the political
sector. One major social issue is the problem of possible decrease in food
stability in the future. As over 100 million metric tons of fish and other
aquatic life are taken to be consumed each year and the fact that overall
fishing yields have been on a steady decline since the 1980s. Should this
trend continue, the shortage of food may lead to social unrest and famine
within developing nations. This scenario would also increase the gap in
privileges between those of developing and developed nations. This increase
in standards of life would increase international tensions over resources in
response to social outcry due to lowered access to commodities.
Lastly, the economic effects and burdens due to biodiversity loss are
immense. On average within the last 6 years, the US spending on protecting
endangered species increases $150 million USD per year, bringing the

current yearly expenditure to approximately 2 billion dollars. With such a

large amount of currency being diverted to stopping biodiversity loss, such a
sum could support approximately 7000 US children for 17 years. While the
cost increases more and more species face extinction which makes the
problem painfully clear. This is because the cost is driven by the increasing
loss of species and not towards improvement upon protection. With
protection agencies unable to handle the increasing number of species at
risk, an increased number are lost to existence each year. Therefore, for the
economic change within the prevention of extinction, practices must be
changed so that species may not reach the point of which requires such
imminent and intense protection.
Ultimately, biodiversity loss is an extremely important issue that
effects all sectors of human society. It is a necessary problem to address to
avoid the long term political, economic, environmental and social
degradations and the plausible instabilities associated with the chronic
effects of large scale extinction. Therefore, biodiversity loss must be
addressed with the same seriousness and urgency as other overbearing
global issues.

Graphs, Charts and Visuals.

Figure 1.

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