The Future of Life: Natures Last Stand Edward O. Wilson

1. The Future of Life:Natures Last StandEdward O. Wilson Presented By: Jeremy Frazzell

2. Introduction Some economists feel that we have virtually unlimited resources to exploit, because as we run out of one resource we always discover a substitute. Environmentalists respond that there is a finite amount of land, space and energy on Earth – eventually the biosphere will lose and humanity will soon follow. -Edward Wilson

3. Economics vs. Biosphere Environment viewed by many politicians and economists as an “externality” - a cost that does not enter into the conventional arithmetic that determines how we use our resources GNP and stock market increase while the biosphere declines Living Planet Index - World Wide Fund for Nature • 1970 to 1995 index fell 30% • 1990’s decline accelerated to 3% per year with no sign of leveling Societal values, lack of education, overpopulation and poor development main causes of declining biodiversity and natural habitat

4. Hawaii Viewed as an island paradise, but in reality: About half of the species inhabiting Hawaii have been introduced. • 902 of the 1,935 free-living flowering plant species are alien • 35 of original species of birds exist – 24 are endangered and 12 are beyond recovery • Species are intentionally introduced or arrive as stowaways. Two examples that have caused much harm to the indigenous Hawaiian ecosystem • African big-headed ant, common pig

5. Pheidole megacephala (African big-headed ant) Sus scrofera (common pig) Large – Soldier, Small - Forager Pig brought for agriculture and released into wild, ants were stowaways Pigs destroy vegetation, spread aliens, create home for malaria Ants exterminated most of lowland native insects impacting native flora and fauna

6. HIPPO conservation biology acronym • Habitat Destruction* – land cleared for development, agriculture, industry • Invasive Species – disrupt native system • Pollution – contaminated water, soil • Population* – greater consumption, more of HIPPO • Over harvesting – hunted or utilized to point of exhaustion or extinction

7. Marmota vancouverensis (Vancouver Island Marmot) Locale: Restricted to Canada Status: Endangered >80 individuals remain in both wild and captive Issue: Population decreasing as a result of clear cutting forest

8. Bufo periglenes (golden toad) Locale: Mountain forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica Status: Presumed extinct Became wildlife attraction Frogs are an excellent indicator to the health of the environment. The recent amphibian decline is mainly due to habitat loss, however chemical pollutants, ultraviolet radiation, fungus and of the sort are equally to blame.

9. Decrease in geography/habitat = decrease in survival probability • Self explanatory, in smaller geographical areas where population is more concentrated, populations are more susceptible to disease and negative environmental conditions. • Removing 90% of habitat allows survival of half of species, eliminating final 10% wipes out species immediately. Fragments such as this are increasing around world. • Although simple concept, planners, politicians, economists need to seriously take into account all the impacts a policy, development and of the sort might have on a proposed location. Serious ecological consequences could occur from a negligent act.

10. Rainforest Destruction Rainforests under biggest attack. • 44% world’s plant species, • 1/3 of all birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians • West Indies, Brazil’s Atlantic coast, Madagascar, Philippines retain less than 10% of original forest. • Destruction begins with construction of roads and small settlements • Accelerated degradation in fringe areas – El Nino • Fires rage, smoke chokes rain = mist but no drops • Loss of trees = loss of rainfall = more degradation

11. Global Warming • In 2000, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) declared global warming is occurring because of greenhouse gases • Greenhouse Gasses include methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorcarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride • Highest level in recorded 400,000 year span with no sign of leveling off • Major causes: everything we do, however fingers mostly point to industry and cutting and burning of forests.

12. 1997 Kyoto Protocol Objective – decrease participating “Industrial” countries greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% within a decade Significance – Required foresight and long-term planning by politicians Adopted in December 1997, one of the most astounding achievements in international environmental policy. Earths mean Global Temp is predicted to rise by at least 2.5 (f) and as high as 10.4 (f) within the century. Mitigation may take as little as .1 (f) off. If trend continues, the sea is predicted to increase by 4 – 36”. Mitigation

13. Adapted from Boston University Climate and Vegetation Research Group

14. Conclusion • Economists view substitution as solution to resource problem. Environmentalists say there is a finite amount of resource available, protect resources and change habits. • Planners have key role in educating, and protecting resources. Must look at big picture and see how decisions/policies affect the whole. • My opinion, we need to focus on prevention versus clean up. Kyoto Protocol, in theory – good idea, will nations stick with it to make it work?