Biodiversity, meaning a rich variety of different species, is declining at an alarming rate. There are now fewer species that are further apart than before. Many species we know well have started to decline, too. The common house martin, for example, has declined by 75% in Finland during this millennium. Each species has their special role as part of the ecosystem. The species are co-dependent – and human beings depend on nature.
These are the main reasons to biodiversity loss: the spread of human activity, change in natural environments, excessive hunting and fishing, and invasive species. Climate change forces species and ecosystems to narrow conditions, and they don’t have time to adjust to the change. For example, arctic birds like ptarmigan and snow bunting are endangered in Finland due to climate change.
Although the situation is critical, much remains to be done. Biodiversity can be increased and its loss slowed down by daily choices and activity. Measures to increase biodiversity in our living:
- Grow a biodiverse garden in the yard.
- Do not destroy road-side plants.
- Build a green roof or wall.