The most comprehensive report into global biodiversity and ecosystems has just been released. And the results are unprecedented and tragic as set out in the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) media release dated May 6, 2019.
The ruination of the natural world continues unabated with over 1,000,000 species threatened with extinction, more than ever before in human history. In addition to the cumulative effects of human-induced climate change, the pollution of the oceans and the devastation of global forests is wreaking havoc on our ability to thrive in a healthy manner. As Sir Robert Wilson, the IPBES Chair stated, “The overwhelming evidence of the IPBES Global Assessment, from a wide range of different fields of knowledge, presents an ominous picture. The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever. We are eroding the very foundation of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and the quality of life worldwide.”
https://www.ipbes.net/news/Media-Release-Global-Assessment
Clearly, humanity’s increasing disconnection with the natural world has not been to our benefit or that of the species around us. Awakening to Nature’s teaching, and the wisdom of the natural world, is increasingly critical to understanding how to better connect with our only home; the Earth. For it is only when humanity makes that connection more fully will we change from the unsustainable, self-destructive path currently being taken to one that will benefit all sentient beings.
Awakening to Nature’s teaching on a global scale seems imperative.
That might take a while, and to some over-developed areas, like a daunting task.
Hopefully we can protect (and designate) enough protected areas like greenbelts and nature reserves in the meantime.