A THREE year study into the state of the natural world has concluded that wildlife and habitats around the world are declining at an 'unprecedented' rate, a situation which if ignored will lead to extinction of flora and fauna.
Given that humanity is directly causing most of the threats to the world around us, it is ironic that the logical conclusion to our selfish behaviour will be a threat to our own existence.
This deeply alarming report also states that we are not looking at some centuries long decline in wildlife but at something which accelerate in a matter of decades to the point where food production will be threatened.
It is important to note that this document is not the result of some ad hoc group of scientists but is the product of a United Nations sponsored scientific investigation.
Sadly, even with such a high standard of credentials backing up the report, there will undoubtedly be those who choose to ignore the stark warnings. Perhaps it will be pure selfishness, knowing that it will not affect their remaining time on earth, or it could be that they are incapable of accepting scientific evidence pointing to such a calamitous situation. President Trump for instance is on record as saying he does not believe in the phenomena of global warming.
There are some crumbs of encouragement within the publication. One is that areas managed by indigenous or local populations, although coming under increasing pressure, generally have a healthier ecosystem, indicating a clue to a possible way ahead for the rest of us.
But the main plus point is that the scientists conclude that although urgent action is needed, it is not too late for humanity to change its ways and begin saving the world and environment which enables our existence.
If we do nothing to change our behaviour however it will lead to the extinction of up to one million species, more than has ever happened in human history.
New global targets aimed at preserving our natural world and environment are due to be negotiated at a UN meeting in China next year.
For the sake of future generations it is to be hoped that this report will be the jolt into reality which will shock the world into taking the measures necessary if we are to reverse this calamitous course which we are set on.
This could mean serious changes to the way we live. Not to take action could mean that there will be serious changes to length of time we have left to live.
