Habitat Destruction

Habitat destruction is an important issue that affects many people. Humans have harmed the environment by introducing more than 37,000 invasive species around the world that have threatened a range of local plants and animals. Sixty per cent of all extinctions have been attributed to these intruders. It is also bringing more than one million plants, animals, and other living things to the threat of extinction. In addition, invasive alien species are a major contributor to biodiversity loss. Invasive alien species are animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms that have entered and established themselves in the environment outside their natural habitat. The global economy has helped invasive species travel to other countries and places. The negative effects on these species are amplified by things like climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution.

There are three ways that this issue can be helped. Changes in land and sea use, pollution, and stopping the direct exploitation of natural resources. Harvesting resources from the ocean floor like minerals, impacts the natural environment and biodiversity. Being more conscientious of how people grow and consume food is a good way to relieve some of the pressure on ecosystems. Pollution has a direct effect on freshwater and marine habitats. Some plant and insect populations are becoming scarce from the use of non-selective insecticides. Reducing air and water pollution, being careful of dangerous chemicals, and reducing waste is critical in addressing the nature crisis. Lastly, using wild life threatens the survival of large numbers of species around the world. Restoring ecosystems will improve habitats, which would help reduce extinction risks. Since humans have caused the environment harm it is our job to start to reverse these losses by changing land and sea use, stopping pollution, and preventing the exploitation of natural resources. This would overall benefit the environment and also the human race as a whole.