What is Biodiversity and Why Is It So Important?-Vandana Shiva

"Biodiversity is the very fabric of life-it provides the conditions of life's emergence and maintenance, and the many different ways in which that life is expressed" (Shiva, 38)

 

http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-
environment/preserving-biodiversity-zmaz81mjzraw.aspx

Shiva begins the passage with this quote, and metaphorically depicts the importance of biodiversity. Biodiversity essentially means an abundance or richness of species in a particular environment. Biodiversity is crucial in any given ecosystem in various ways. Everything that lives in an ecosystem is part of a chain or web. Each species plays a crucial role, and some species even depend on other species for survival.  Plants, animals, and even humans depend on each other for food, shelter, and oxygen. Biodiversity also plays a crucial role in ecological services. For instance, the oxygen we breathe is provided by plants. Rivers, lakes, and wetlands clean water by absorbing chemicals for us to utilize.  Unfortunately, biodiversity on our planet has been in grave danger. Many species have gone extinct, or are at risk of extinction. If we continue the path of destroying biodiversity, the whole environmental system will be thrown off balance, and cause negative consequences.

 

"Humankind is one among millions of other species. It does not have a right to push other species to extinction, or to manipulate them for greed, profit, and power without concern for their wellbeing" (Shiva, 40)

 

 

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/03/130312--deextinction-conservation-animals-science-extinction-biodiversity-habitat-environment/

This was a powerful and bold statement, and I could not agree more. Ultimately, us humans are not the only living beings on the planet. We act like we can do whatever we want, whenever we want. We make careless decisions, without taking in consideration the long term consequences. Who are we to come and destroy another species’ habitat? The majority of people only look at other species as a benefit, and do not consider how valuable they can be. Thanks to us, many species have gone extinct or are on the verge of extinction. If we just took time and analyzed the consequences of our actions, we would not be in the situation that we are in today.

 

 "The smallest microbe plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological processes that create the conditions of life for all species, including, of course, our own." (Shiva, 41)

 

 

http://www.zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/
bee-population-ccd-04042013/

This quote made me think of the quote from Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who “ A person, is a person, no matter how big or small.” This ties in with Shiva’s quote because it demonstrates that no matter how small something may seem, they too have a purpose. I agree, every little or insect, microbe creates life for other species. A perfect example of this are bees. Many famers depend on bees to pollinate their crops, and we also depend on bees to make honey. Something as small as a bee, can have a great impact on our environment.