Biodiversity Loss and Scale
- How Is Biodiversity Loss a Scale Problem?
Biodiversity loss is a scale problem in that a variety of economic activities are causing a rate of species extinction many times higher than prior to the industrial revolution. Human civilization relies on various types of biodiversity for its well being, which the current rate of extinctions, and the growing number of species at risks, is threatening (see Biodiversity Loss as a Scale Problem).
- Will the Proposed Solutions Achieve Sustainable Scale?
Despite a number of international agreements to protect biodiversity the rate of species loss, and the number of species at risk, are both increasing. While a number of successes can be attributed to these agreements, sustainable scale for biodiversity will not likely be achieved by these agreements in their current form (see Proposed Solutions to Biodiversity Loss).
- What Additional Scale Relevant Solutions Are Required?
A sustainable scale perspective identifies the need for clear targets for biodiversity protection that are within the known range of ecological and social sustainability. Stronger enforcement mechanisms are also required to ensure compliance with the provisions of the agreements (see Additional Solutions to Biodiversity Loss).
- What Scale Relevant Lessons Should We Take from the Biodiversity Loss Story?
The increasing loss of biodiversity reminds us that humans are part of the natural world and rely on the multitude of functions nature performs for both our survival and well being. Our attempts to exploit and dominate nature are self-defeating if we exceed sustainable scale for biodiversity (see Lessons from Biodiversity Loss).
- The Biodiversity Loss Story: A Primer
- Additional Information on Biodiversity