Sixth extinction? How do we know?: (Introduction)

by dhw, Saturday, May 11, 2019, 10:10 (2022 days ago) @ David Turell

QUOTE: “Elected politicians understand, even if the UN doesn't, that the survival, welfare and freedom of human beings is far more important than the fate of critically endangered salamanders."

DAVID: Just like the alarm over global warming. If we only recognize one in eight million estimated species, how can we possibly know one million are trying to disappear?

It’s the usual scenario in which parties on both sides present extreme views and therefore undermine their own case. Articles like this can easily distract attention from the very real dangers of the current situation. The quote about “elected politicians” ignores the delicate balance which is necessary for ecosystems to survive or, at the very least, to work efficiently. You, David, have constantly emphasized this, and we as top predators rely on the chain beneath us for our survival. The survival, welfare and freedom of human beings depends on the fate, not of individual species but of the whole environment in which we live. The subject requires a broad view, and it encompasses all the factors that threaten us. Many of these are man-made, and although they may not lead to the extinction of the human race, they most certainly cause immense suffering to man and beast. Air and water pollution, pesticides, deforestation, fossil fuels etc. all contribute even now to the suffering and premature deaths of huge numbers of humans, and to my mind it is totally irresponsible for any politician to pretend that we do not already have a crisis on our hands because of human interference with nature. I have been greatly encouraged, however, by the efforts of the younger generation to make the environment a priority concern for all governments.