The Sixth Mass Extinction: Understanding the Current Biodiversity Crisis

The Alarming Reality: Why the Sixth Mass Extinction Demands Immediate Action

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Published in 06-19-2025

Sixth Mass Extinction: Understanding the Current B

In recent years, scientists have warned that Earth is undergoing a sixth mass extinction. Unlike previous extinction events caused by natural forces, this one is largely driven by human activities. But what exactly does it mean, and what can we learn from past extinctions to understand what lies ahead?

Definition: Sixth Mass Extinction
The sixth mass extinction refers to the ongoing, rapid loss of species due to human actions such as deforestation, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. According to a study published in PNAS, more than 500 species of land animals are likely to disappear within 20 years unless urgent action is taken.

Signs: How Do We Know It's Happening?
1- Accelerated extinction rate: Species are disappearing at a rate 100 to 1,000 times faster than natural background rates.
2- Habitat destruction: Forests, wetlands, and coral reefs are vanishing due to urbanization and agriculture.
3- Pollution and climate change: Rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and chemical waste are destabilizing ecosystems.
4- Overexploitation of wildlife: Illegal hunting, overfishing, and the wildlife trade are driving many species to the brink.

Consequences: Why Should We Be Concerned?
a) Ecosystem collapse: Each species plays a role in its ecosystem. The loss of one can trigger a domino effect.
b) Loss of biodiversity: Biodiversity provides resilience, medicines, food sources, and ecosystem services.
c) Economic and social impact: The extinction of pollinators, fish, and forests directly affects food security and livelihoods.
d) Irreversible damage: Once a species is gone, it's gone forever. The Earth becomes a less vibrant and more fragile place.

Beyond Dinos: What You Need to Know About the Sixth Mass Extinction

Photo: Ivars Utináns The Five Previous Mass Extinctions
1- Ordovician-Silurian Extinction (about 443 million years ago)
Triggered by massive glaciation and sea level drops, this extinction wiped out around 85% of marine species.

2- Late Devonian Extinction (about 372 million years ago)
Likely caused by oceanic anoxia and climate changes, it led to the loss of 75% of species, especially in shallow seas.

3- Permian-Triassic Extinction (about 252 million years ago)
Known as "The Great Dying", it was the most severe, eliminating over 95% of marine and 70% of terrestrial species. Volcanic activity and methane release are suspected causes.

4- Triassic-Jurassic Extinction (about 201 million years ago)
Possibly caused by volcanic eruptions and climate shifts, this event cleared the way for the rise of the dinosaurs.

5- Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction (about 66 million years ago)
Famously linked to an asteroid impact in what is now Mexico, this extinction ended the reign of the dinosaurs and affected 75% of all species.

What Makes the Sixth Different?
Unlike the previous five, the current mass extinction is caused not by natural catastrophes, but by the activities of a single species: humans. This fact makes it unique and also preventable.

What Can Be Done?
1- Conservation efforts: Protected areas, wildlife corridors, and reforestation.
2- Legislation and enforcement: Laws to prevent illegal hunting, logging, and pollution.
3- Sustainable consumption: Reducing meat intake, choosing sustainable products, and minimizing waste.
4- Climate action: Transitioning to renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

The sixth mass extinction is not just a scientific concern, it's a humanitarian one. Our survival is tied to the web of life around us. If we lose it, we lose more than animals and plants; we risk our future. The time to act is now, before the damage becomes irreversible.

To learn more, visit IUCN on biodiversity loss.