Humanity has had a dramatic impact on wildlife and the natural world. From deforestation and climate change, to poaching and pollution, humans have had a devastating effect on other species and the earth as a whole. But are we beyond saving? Can nature ever restore itself from the damage we’ve done? There is no denying that humanity has irrevocably changed the world for the worse. The question remains; can nature survive without humans? Here is everything you need to know about how humanity has impacted animals and the environment.
What is the current state of the environment?
The health of the environment is a pressing concern. It has been estimated that there has been a 40% reduction in global biodiversity since the 1950s, with extinction rates expected to increase at an alarming rate.
Humans are responsible for the extinction of approximately 10% of all species every year, which is many times the “background” rate of extinction between species. The state of the environment is therefore often framed as a “Sixth Extinction”, resulting from human activity.
While the Sixth Extinction is not yet as widespread or devastating as those in the past. It is nonetheless a significant problem.
Can nature survive without humans?
Humans have had a major impact on the environment. In many cases, humans have irreparably damaged ecosystems and caused species extinctions. However, it’s important to note that this damage is largely anthropocentric.
This doesn’t just mean that humans are responsible for the damages, but that these damages are features that are uniquely caused by humans. Humans have caused global climate change, the reduction of biodiversity through deforestation, and the pollution of waterways through careless industrial practices.
However, it is not impossible for nature to survive without humans. There are many examples of how ecosystems have already begun to bounce back after facing human-caused threats.
There are also many examples of ecosystems that have little to no damage from human activity. This suggests that, while the issues of climate change and biodiversity loss are incredibly serious, it is by no means too late to save the world’s ecosystems and animals.
Climate change and its effect on animals
Climate change and its effects on wildlife are a major concern. There has been a significant rise in global temperatures. And these has resulted in a rise in the level of CO2 in the atmosphere. Both of these factors will significantly change the environments in which many species live and thrive.
Higher CO2 levels directly affect plant growth. While this is good for agricultural crops, it has a devastating effect on trees. The trees are essential for the survival of many species of animals. During the spring and summer, trees grow and use CO2 from the atmosphere.
As the level of CO2 rises, trees use more and more CO2, and can’t take up as much water. As a result, the growth of trees is stunted, which changes forest ecosystems. These changes will have a significant impact on animals that rely on tree bark and leaves for food, tree cavities for shelter, and tree roots for water.
Deforestation and its effect on animals
Deforestation refers to the removal of forests, often through unsustainable practices like clear-cutting. It has had a devastating impact on many species of animals. And these deforestations are resulting in habitat loss, species extinctions, and a reduction in biodiversity.
Forests provide a home to countless animal species, as well as providing food, water, and other resources for people around the world. Forest animals face many threats from deforestation.
They may be killed for their fur, feathers, and other body parts, be hunted for food, or be caught in the act of deforestation by being cut down themselves. Many animals that dwell in tropical forests have very specific requirements for their habitat, and deforestation is frequently followed by desertification as the soil dries up.
Desertification has a negative impact on many species of animals as well as humans who rely on forests for resources.
Marine Environment and its effect on animals
The marine environment refers to the ocean, its coasts, and the marine ecosystems that live in it. While it is not unusual to hear about the damage caused to coastal areas by industries such as oil and gas, the damage that these industries cause to marine animals is less commonly known.
Animals such as whales and dolphins are affected by human activities in the marine environment. Whales are especially susceptible to pollution in the oceans. These animals live long lives, and tend to travel large distances during their lifetime.
As a result, they often ingest pollutants like oil and gas that travel through the oceans. Marine mammals are also killed for food in the oceans, both intentionally and as “by-catch” from industrial fishing operations.
