Humanity is in the midst of a sixth mass extinction event – a man-made extinction event. Global warming, which causes abnormal weather phenomena, is to blame for the mass death of animals. People make no less of a “contribution” to the global extinction of species. A team of EU scientists came to this latest sad conclusion, confirming the conclusion of their colleagues from America – man is to blame.
The Holocene extinction, also called the late Pleistocene – Holocene extinction, anthropogenic mass extinction, Anthropocene mass extinction, sixth mass extinction – is one of the most significant mass extinctions of animal and plant species currently occurring in the history of the Earth.
The researchers analyzed data collected in 28 European Union countries since 1980. Over 40 years, about 550 million birds died there, with the greatest losses recorded among species living in farmers’ fields. It was discovered that chemicals used to control insects and weeds poison vegetation and kill insects, as a result, birds are deprived of their main source of food. The use of pesticides is considered the main reason for the decline of birds in Europe.
The work indicates that the number of agricultural bird species has decreased by 56.8% since the start of observations; urban bird populations – by 27.8%, forest birds – by 17.7%. Scientists noted that birds that feed on invertebrates (insects, larvae, worms) suffered the most. Invertebrates are especially important during the breeding season for more than 80% of European birds. The death of invertebrates due to the massive use of pesticides has led to cascading consequences throughout the food chain.
The second most important negative factor for European birds was urbanization, and only in third place was global warming. The researchers said only “rapid implementation of transformative changes in European societies, and especially agricultural reform,” could save the continent’s bird populations, Plus-one reported, citing TheGuardian.
A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on the state of biodiversity and its relationship to agriculture and the food situation notes that in recent decades, many rare species of animals, plants and other organisms that play an important role in the food chain have disappeared.
Ladybugs and worms, microorganisms that purify water, air and soil and protect crops from pests – even these species play a vital role in the food chain, not to mention animals, trees and other plants.
“Biodiversity plays a critical role in maintaining food security around the world, ensuring sustainable diets, improving the quality of life of rural communities, and enhancing human well-being,” said FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva.
According to the report, between 2000 and 2018, about 150 livestock breeds disappeared. In general, livestock production in the world now mainly relies on 40 species of animals providing meat, milk and eggs. In a number of areas, the diversity of flora is declining. Of the approximately six thousand species of edible plants, less than 200 are actively used for food production.
Experts are alarmingly reporting dwindling fish stocks and the loss of many pollinators, soil organisms and wild foods. They call for a halt to farmland erosion and forest loss.
“Decreased biodiversity means plants and animals are increasingly susceptible to pests and diseases,” the FAO chief said. According to him, the loss of biodiversity is partly due to the fact that we use fewer and fewer species of animals and plants for our food. For example, just three crops – corn, wheat and rice – provide almost 60 percent of the daily protein and calorie intake.
The authors of the report call for urgent measures to be taken to protect biodiversity from the effects of negative factors and ensure its sustainable use. The new FAO report was prepared based on information provided by 91 countries.