What is biodiversity and why is it so important?

The world. Photo by: telegraph.co.uk

"Biodiversity is the very fabric of life--it provides the conditions for life's emergence and maintenance, and the many different ways in which that life is expressed." (Shiva, 38)

This definition describes that if left alone the world can take care of itself. The world does not need humans changing things to save it. Humans are the reason the world is falling apart. We, as humans, should find a way to live in this world without ruining it. Almost all other animal species have found a way to live in this world without destroying it, maybe we should take some notes and follow by their example.

Many Species. Photo by: management science.biz

"Humankind is one among millions of other species. It does not have a right to push other species to extinction, or to manipulate them for greed, profit and power without concern for their wellbeing." (Shiva, 40)

Humans believe they are the top of all things. We change things constantly to help ourselves and ruin things for everything else in the world. Killing animals just because we want to. Using materials we know will ruin the world. It has come down to killing ourselves to make things easier. These examples can come from Food Inc. the documentary. People are adding terrible chemicals to our food and ruining what we eat, just so they can make more money.

One effects all. Photo by: www.cod.edu

"The extinction of a species means not just the loss of that particular species, but also a threat to the other species that are supported by it through ecological processes." (Shiva, 45)

The loss of one species means everything, although many humans think it means nothing. One little plant can be a large part of the food chain and can ruin many other specie's lives. Many humans think the world is okay as long as they are living but if they keep this mindset they will not end up being okay. If we keep ruining other species, karma will finally get to us. We need to find a way to change humankind's perspectives and beliefs.