We live in an increasingly globalized world thanks to new technologies that allow us to get closer to others and shorten the great distances that can exist between different parts of the world. This growing globalization that our society is experiencing helps to create a really clear human biodiversity. The different races and ethnic groups are intertwined with each other, giving rise to a coexistence that, in some cases, can become really complicated. However, the phenomenon of globalization can also be attributed to both animal species and plants and vegetables. Centuries ago it seemed impossible that a tropical fruit such as pineapple could be eaten frequently in Europe due to its necessary characteristics to be planted, or that families could have an Amazon parrot as a pet. Now, working in Miami is also a sign of biodiversity.
What biodiversity?
Therefore, the concept of biodiversity is attributed to all species at all levels from people, animals, plants and even microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria or fungi, species that can only be perceived through a microscope. Obviously, the type of species we are talking about counts, as well as the habitat or place in which it is found. In addition, the process of growth and development of this species is also studied to assess whether it can be considered biodiversity, or instead, it is one more of Mother Nature. Human beings, for their part, have come to manipulate this biodiversity with chemical processes.
Surely you have heard of genetically modified foods. They are those that, through a chemical product, it is possible to produce them at a time of the year that is not theirs, as well as in a completely different habitat thanks to the possibility of being able to represent the desired conditions for their growth.
Science has also changed the behavior of many animals and the decoration of gardens. In addition to genetically modified foods, you are surely aware of the possibility of domesticating animals by eliminating their reproductive capacity. This is what many veterinarians do with dogs or cats, whose owners do not want them to have children and, therefore, choose to castrate them. As you may have observed, the globalization process did not come to fruition until the 20th century. In fact, that is why the term biodiversity was not coined until 1985 when Walter G. Rosen, the creator of the word, used it to describe the title of a conference on the biodiversity of species. One of the Summits organized by the United Nations began to talk about the idea of fighting for the preservation of the planet’s biodiversity, something that was approved at another summit in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on May 22, 1994. Precisely since then, World Biodiversity Day or Biological Diversity is celebrated on May 22 of each year. Despite the fact that biodiversity focuses on the biological part, that is, the difference in genes that allows us to find different types of people, this factor causes human diversity to end up being total. Genes do not allow us to find blondes and brunettes, tall or short or of different complexions, but it also directly affects character. Precisely, the globalization exposed above allows people with very different genes end up relating and if they decide to have a son or daughter, they also create a really different genetic combination that ends up allowing further progress in terms of biodiversity. This, centuries ago, seemed unthinkable and now it is the daily bread.
Today, there are numerous species that are in danger of extinction and, therefore, can break the balance of the ecosystem. There are numerous causes that explain the reasons for this extreme situation. On the one hand, there is climate change that has led the polar bear to be the main endangered species. Kangaroos can follow the same path, since despite being the main identity of Australia, such high temperatures prevent them from living. On the other hand, the action of humans.
Without going any further, the Javan rhinoceros is hunted to be stuffed as a decorative object in China and other oriental countries. The same happens with the tigers, which have already seen how the one from Bali and Java no longer exist, while the one from Bengal is in serious trouble. In some cases, actions have already been launched, such as that of bluefin tuna. Its consumption is prohibited since it is in serious danger of extinction and, in this case, it would end up disappearing if the current rate is followed.
Advantages of biodiversity
All in all, biodiversity has enormous benefits for all those people who are committed to it and fight for its preservation in the world. The most prominent are the following:
- A much richer culture. Each race or ethnic group contributes its grain of sand to the culture of humanity. For this reason, genetic biodiversity contributes to this cultural richness and that it can be concentrated in all corners of the world and not only in its place of origin.
- Easy to travel the world. Who does not like to discover the world and its cultural differences? Moving around the world costs a lot of money and, therefore, we can lower costs if we live with people of other races in our place of residence. When they return to travel to their family we can have a contact that will host us or guide us through their country.
- Deepen knowledge. Many love to discover the history of their ancestors and, therefore, one of the best ways to do it around the world is none other than being able to talk to people of different genes and corners of the world.
- Give jobs to biology experts. For people who like biology, having a biodiversity like the one we currently have is excellent news. Studying cell differences at all levels allows us to enrich the science of biology, which for many is considered exciting.
Therefore, the biodiversity process that has been achieved in recent years seems to have no end and everything indicates that it will continue to expand in the coming years. The exodus of refugees and all the migratory crises that have been experienced in recent years due to the different war conflicts have only increased the biodiversity that is currently being experienced.
How to achieve biodiversity?
In general terms, people consider that our contribution is unnecessary when it comes to achieving biodiversity. However, reality has shown us that this is far from true. The first thing we must do is be interested in those species that can live in our habitat, and their current situation. If they are in danger of extinction, as is the case with many animals, the main objective is to help promote the need for those animals not to be mistreated. In the end, although we do not appreciate it, the presence of some species also helps to raise the position that our corner of the country can have in the face of tourists, and more so in Spain, since its economic activity is largely based on the tourism sector. we must also Be critical of our media so that they provide information related to the presence of endangered animals and plants so that it is easier to raise awareness in society about this issue. We can all contribute our grain of sand through donations to associations or organizations, such as Greenpeace, that fight for the rights of animals and plants and preserve the environment. Pollution and climate change, due to the breakdown of the ozone layer, are some of the main factors that have contributed to the fact that there is less and less biodiversity on the planet. Voluntary participation in organizations. It is also a good way to contribute your part in the preservation of the human species. Despite everything, this work would not be necessary if the values that could be instilled today were correct. What have been the reasons that have led society to the current situation of Planet Earth? Basically, the desire of a few to make money at the expense of the ecosystem.
In this sense, let us not forget that if we have to solve a problem of the presence of biodiversity and fight for its preservation, it is because before there have been actions that have not been correct and that have motivated this problem that requires a solution. For this reason, try to prevent the problem from escalating. Start with your performances. If we want to fight for the environment, we can start with small actions such as using public transport more, fighting so that dogs and other domestic animals are not abandoned on the street, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Once we have achieved our objectives on a personal level, and showing ourselves as an example, we must begin to try to persuade our immediate environment to adopt behaviors that are similar to ours.
Social networks like Facebook or Instagram can be our great allies, especially if we have a great impact on them. Any type of influencer that we may know can also help us to try to achieve this change in behavior. You already know that big movements started with few actions, so don’t give up if you pursue biodiversity. Visit the Madrid zoo and you will realize the situation.
Consumption must be responsible, at the level of vehicles and also recycling, since not doing so also negatively affects the environment. However, the other part of the scale should also be similar. For this reason, we must try to produce and consume through the use of renewable energies such as sunlight, wind or tidal power. In this way, we will respect the environment to a greater extent, we will increase the possibilities of change with climate change and, at the same time, we will prevent numerous species from changing their way of life due to the action of humans. For example, many birds that previously migrated with the arrival of winter to warmer territories no longer do so because that winter no longer exists due to the sudden increase in temperatures.
We must make society aware of the importance of maintaining biodiversity on the planet, since it is something to be proud of. However, in this line it is also necessary to have a strong hand. There is no use fighting for something we all believe in if someone prevents our work. For this reason, the awareness of governments is fundamental in this line. Only they can ensure that those who do not respect biodiversity can be punished. In the end, we live in a plural world, including animal species as well as plants and vegetables.