Plants and animals all around the world near extinction are roughly 99% due to human activity alone. During the early 21st century, when human activity really started, we also became the greatest threat to biodiversity. The threats our activity have caused that effect the wild include habitat loss and habitat degradation, the spread of introduced species (non- native species either created by or imported by humans that negativly effect enviroment), the influence of global warming, the continuation of chemical pollution, hunting and/or taking away from habitat, and disease. Due to our activity throughout this world, during 2008, 44,838 species had been assessed by using the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. Of these, 16,928 species of plants, animals, and others fell into the threatened categories (CR, EN, and VU), with 7,744 species considered either endangered or critically endangered.
To live, plants require the same needs we have, food, water, and protection. While food and water can always be covered, they still require protection. Now, animals can leave these disasters, by flying or swimming away, but plants without these abilities are abandoned to die. While we are slaughtering off plants through ways in which we cannot see, we are harming their ecosystem also. With all our causes, it's no wonder they are in harm's way. Our laws have created endangered species acts, hoping people would respect the law, but instead, some people just see one thing; money. Rare and one-of-a-kind products are well desired by black markets and other unkown sources. Others take out plants from their enviroment hoping to help, but instead bring pain among the plants.
Their ecosystem is going to die out without help. They need us like we need them. To survive, we depend on them through the oxygen/carbon dioxide cycle as well as all matter in this world does. We also depend on plants for food and prevention of global warming. We die if they die, and they're dying quickly if WE don't stop and prevent their deaths as well as their extinction from our ruthless actions.
On the red list, there are currently 61914 pages of endangered species in total. They are in CATEGORIES of potential extinction.
Now, while it may seem impossible, we CAN and HAVE to change this. We can:
- Plant native plant species grown from seed in your home garden.
- Volunteer to work with rare plant monitoring or restoration efforts at your local botanical garden or conservation organization.
- Practice good land stewardship on your own property.
- Avoid planting invasive, non-native plants in your garden or yard, and assist with efforts to remove them from your neighborhood.
- Help to teach your neighbors and friends about rare plants.
- Document local plant species through photographs and illustrations.
- Reduce your energy use.