Transcript The Future of Life: Natures Last Stand Edward O. Wilson

The Future of Life:
Natures Last Stand
Edward O. Wilson
Presented By: Jeremy Frazzell
Introduction
Some economists feel that we have
virtually unlimited resources to exploit,
because as we run out of one resource we
always discover a substitute.
Environmentalists respond that there is a
finite amount of land, space and energy
on Earth – eventually the biosphere will
lose and humanity will soon follow.
-Edward Wilson
Economics vs. Biosphere
Environment viewed by many politicians and economists as an
“externality” - a cost that does not enter into the conventional
arithmetic that determines how we use our resources
GNP and stock market increase while the biosphere declines
Living Planet Index - World Wide Fund for Nature
 1970 to 1995 index fell 30%
 1990’s decline accelerated to 3% per year with no sign
of leveling
Societal values, lack of education, overpopulation and poor
development main causes of declining biodiversity and natural
habitat
Hawaii
Viewed as an island paradise, but in reality: About
half of the species inhabiting Hawaii have been
introduced.
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902 of the 1,935 free-living flowering plant species are alien
35 of original species of birds exist – 24 are endangered
and 12 are beyond recovery
Species are intentionally introduced or arrive as
stowaways.
Two examples that have caused much harm to the
indigenous Hawaiian ecosystem
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African big-headed ant, common pig
Pheidole megacephala (African big-headed ant)
Sus scrofera (common pig)
Large – Soldier, Small - Forager
Pig brought for agriculture and released into
wild, ants were stowaways
Pigs destroy vegetation, spread aliens,
create home for malaria
Ants exterminated most of lowland native
insects impacting native flora and fauna
HIPPO conservation biology acronym
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Habitat Destruction* – land cleared for
development, agriculture, industry
Invasive Species – disrupt native system
Pollution – contaminated water, soil
Population* – greater consumption, more
of HIPPO
Over harvesting – hunted or utilized to
point of exhaustion or extinction
Marmota vancouverensis (Vancouver Island Marmot)
Locale: Restricted to
Canada
Status: Endangered >80
individuals remain in
both wild and captive
Issue: Population
decreasing as a result
of clear cutting forest
Bufo periglenes (golden toad)
Locale: Mountain forest of
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Status: Presumed extinct
Became wildlife attraction
Frogs are an excellent
indicator to the health of the
environment. The recent
amphibian decline is mainly
due to habitat loss, however
chemical pollutants, ultraviolet
radiation, fungus and of the
sort are equally to blame.
Decrease in geography/habitat = decrease in
survival probability
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Self explanatory, in smaller geographical areas where
population is more concentrated, populations are more
susceptible to disease and negative environmental
conditions.
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Removing 90% of habitat allows survival of half of species,
eliminating final 10% wipes out species immediately. Fragments
such as this are increasing around world.
Although simple concept, planners, politicians,
economists need to seriously take into account all the
impacts a policy, development and of the sort might have
on a proposed location. Serious ecological
consequences could occur from a negligent act.
Rainforest Destruction
Rainforests under biggest attack.
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44% world’s plant species,
1/3 of all birds, mammals, reptiles
and amphibians
West Indies, Brazil’s Atlantic coast,
Madagascar, Philippines retain less
than 10% of original forest.
Destruction begins with construction
of roads and small settlements
Accelerated degradation in fringe
areas – El Nino
Fires rage, smoke chokes rain =
mist but no drops
Loss of trees = loss of rainfall =
more degradation
Global Warming
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In 2000, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) declared global warming is occurring because of
greenhouse gases
Greenhouse Gasses include methane, carbon dioxide,
nitrous oxide, hydrofluorcarbons, perfluorocarbons,
sulphur hexafluoride
Highest level in recorded 400,000 year span with no sign
of leveling off
Major causes: everything we do, however fingers mostly
point to industry and cutting and burning of forests.
Mitigation
1997 Kyoto Protocol
Objective – decrease participating “Industrial” countries
greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% within a decade
Significance – Required foresight and long-term
planning by politicians
Adopted in December 1997, one of the most astounding
achievements in international environmental policy.
Earths mean Global Temp is predicted to rise by at least
2.5 (f) and as high as 10.4 (f) within the century.
Mitigation may take as little as .1 (f) off. If trend
continues, the sea is predicted to increase by 4 – 36”.
Adapted from Boston University Climate and Vegetation Research Group
Conclusion
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Economists view substitution as solution to resource
problem. Environmentalists say there is a finite amount
of resource available, protect resources and change
habits.
Planners have key role in educating, and protecting
resources. Must look at big picture and see how
decisions/policies affect the whole.
My opinion, we need to focus on prevention versus clean
up. Kyoto Protocol, in theory – good idea, will nations
stick with it to make it work?