Taking the first step towards understanding complex systems and the importance of biodiversity
Ecosystems in nature are comprised of webs of species, whose roles are all interconnected. As the diversity of an ecosystem increases, the stability of that system also increases, since multiple species may fill a similar ecological role. As we continue to pursue economic and technological growth, we become increasingly dependent on a vast array of the earth’s resources, and our practices may interfere with environmental stability. In order to achieve sustainability, we must understand the importance of many individual species and their role in the ecosystem, and find an appropriate balance between human activities and the natural environment.
Biodiversity is a crucial factor in sustaining ecosystems, as species depend on a variety of habitats and adaptation techniques for survival. If one species goes extinct, this affects the stability of other species that might rely on it. As human beings, we depend on a wide variety of living organisms to sustain our lives and economies. We depend on natural resources for virtually everything, whether it is food, travel, medicine, or entertainment.
As we continue to extract more resources from the earth to fulfill our momentary needs from nature, we affect the overall state of natural systems and contribute to global loss in biodiversity. World Wild Life Fund claims that we use 25 per cent more resources than what the earth can sustain, and our exploitation of these resources has led to diminishing species diversity. The main causes for decreasing biodiversity include: destruction or reduction of habitat; exploitation of hunting, fishing, or claiming other natural resources; introduction of alien or invasive species to a habitat; pollution and contamination of the atmosphere and bodies of water; and climate change, which has been initiated and magnified by many different factors.
Due to increasing awareness regarding human impact on the environment, many Western societies are now facing a crossroad between economic and environmental needs. In Canada, our federal government is constantly discussing environmental issues, but political interests and economic priorities often outweigh environmental interests. As a result, conservation efforts are not always as effective as they could be. CBS reports that conservation at Parks Canada has declined by 23 per cent in recent years. It has become difficult to manage and satisfy the needs of Canadian citizens and governmental affairs while considering the associated environmental impacts.
The on-going struggle for environmental, social, and economic balance will likely persist for many decades. Achieving sustainability is a complex endeavor, and one that cannot be solved by “cookie cutter” decision-making. Ideally, we hope to construct an economy that thrives on environmental action and conservation. Biodiversity is such an important element of environmental concern, and this new wave of thinking needs to be reflected across our Canadian economy and policies.