It is possible that the intensity to find a habitable world outside of our Solar System is because scientists already know the fate of the Earth. Experts in different research areas say that the seventh extinction of our world has already begun and it is difficult to reverse the situation.
What is the seventh extinction of the Earth? It is a phenomenon that occurs in the world we inhabit and is characterized by an accelerated rate of disappearance of species throughout the planet. It is so called because it is considered to be the seventh great mass extinction in the history of the planet.
Previous mass extinctions have been catastrophic events that resulted in the mass disappearance of numerous species in relatively short periods of time. The best known is the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 65 million years ago.
What about the current one? According to what the researchers explain, the main responsible for the current one is human activity, including the loss and degradation of habitats, deforestation, pollution, hunting and excessive fishing, the introduction of invasive species and climate change. . These factors are causing a significant decline in biodiversity around the world.
The severity of the seventh extinction is alarming due to its speed and geographic scope. Current extinction rates are estimated to be 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal.
Can the seventh mass extinction be reversed?
Experts see it as an “extremely difficult challenge.” However, they emphasize that we can still take steps to mitigate the effects and protect the remaining biodiversity.
The conservation of natural habitats is a fundamental strategy. The creation and management of protected areas, both terrestrial and marine, can help preserve biological diversity and provide refuge for threatened species. It is also essential to address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, such as deforestation, pollution and climate change.
Scientists are also researching and developing techniques for the conservation of endangered species, such as captive breeding, reintroduction into natural habitats, and the protection of key species for the functioning of ecosystems.