The sixth wave of mass extinction may already be under way (number five was the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago which eliminated 75% of species). Scientists estimate that as many as half the Earth's species will be gone by the end of this century, eliminated by mankind this time around rather than an asteroid. Though extinction is also down to evolution, humans have had a definite impact.

 

 

Since the introduction of agriculture 10,000 years ago - farming, logging and building have dramatically altered almost half of the Earth's land surface. By some estimates, a third of all amphibian species, nearly a third of reef-building corals, a quarter of all mammals, and an eighth of all birds are threatened with extinction. Conservationists warn of a new age of extinction: now 1000 times worse with the spread of human populations and harmful activities like overfishing, the use of insecticides and land-clearance, which could eliminate large portions of the Amazon within a few years.

 

 

There are instances of species coming back from the brink with human intervention. Furthermore scientists might also be able to achieve an "win-win" solution by increasing biodiversity while improving economic gain. In the meantime, the human species, still growing in number, remains the dominant driver of change.

 

 

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