Biodiversity refers to the diversity of life forms on Earth, millions of species of plants, animals, microorganisms, their sets of genes and complex ecosystems that make up the wildlife. Biodiversity is the main habitat-forming element of the planet, which provides the ability to save the environment and biological resources. Biological diversity is the result of close interaction with the physical shell of the biosphere, since each species is the result of a natural historical development of the organic world. Biodiversity is necessary for maintaining the functional structure of the biosphere and its component ecosystems, as its aesthetic value is the ecological health of the human population. However, human impact on the environment has led to deterioration of the natural environment and, in the long run, to a reduction of biodiversity.
Population growth and rapid technological development have led to a significant imbalance between the urban and natural environment. Contamination of the environment and severe climate conditions have drastically worsen the ecological situation. Apparently, the massive scale of extinction has occurred due to human activity. The exponential growth of human population along with the vast increase in the consumption of natural resources and the amount of waste produced are the major threats to the survival of other species (Youth 40). Global warming, acid rain, ozone hole in the stratosphere as well as the release of toxic chemicals into the air, soil and water are the inevitable trigger for a loss of biodiversity. Unpredictable or extreme weather or weather that does not correspond to historical norms is a huge problem, which leads to droughts, destruction of crops and migration. The extinction of species together with the displacement of invasive species has led to unpredictable weather conditions. However, the destruction of habitats due to human activities, particularly deforestation has the most disastrous consequences (Youth 41). Obviously, biodiversity seems to be richer in natural forests (Laband 2).
The most important element in the mechanism of biodiversity are protected areas, among which are the state nature reserves, namely environmental institutions with the most stringent protection regime (Youth 43). Their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity is the most significant. However, these institutions are non-profit and, thus, heavily dependent on public funding. At the same time, the preservation of these institutions as an integral organization depends largely on maintaining the existing human environment. Unfortunately, despite the conservation programs, the accelerated erosion of the world's biodiversity continues (Pimm 196). However, without these measures the degree of biodiversity loss would be even higher. Therefore, ecological and economic approaches should promote environmental protection and strive to restore the disturbed ecological balance of the ecosystems.
Works Cited
Laband, David N. “Regulating Biodiversity: Tragedy in the Political Commons.” Forest Policy Center: Internal Working Paper Series 119 (2001): 1-4. Print.
Pimm, Stuart L. “The Dodo Went Extinct (And Other Ecological Myths).” Annals of the Missouri Botanic Garden 89.2 (2002): 190-198. Print.
Safinya, Cyrus R. & Rothschild, Kenneth J. “Self-Assembly and Protein Stability.” Nature 370 (1994): 105. Print.
Youth, Howard. “Silences Spring: Disappearing Birds.” The Futurist 37.4 (2003): 39-45. Print.
