Bioperversity

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Bioperversity

25 Jan 2009

Andrew Mitchell introduces this discussion on the current threats to the world’s biodiversity, by opining that the preservation of the rainforests represents one of the best ways of slowing climate change. He also points out that it is the responsibility of the developed nations to spearhead this action, as they are the ones responsible for most of the damage so far inflicted upon the earth.

Dr David Bellamy discusses some of the human innovations – such as the internal combustion engine – that have proved catastrophic for the planet, before outlining the current threats to the world’s biodiversity. Whilst measures such as the EU’s Common agricultural Policy have destroyed millions of acres if Europe’s arable land, over-fishing and pollution have proved equally deadly for marine biodiversity. This loss of wildlife, Bellamy says, is the real threat to the planet, not global warming.

Stanley Johnson discusses his time living with the Yawanawa tribe, who inhabit Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. He explains his efforts – so far unsuccessful – to prevent the construction of a new logging road connecting Brazil and Peru, and how the construction of this road will affect the biodiversity in the area, as well as the Yawanawa tribe themselves.

Ian Swingland states that biodiversity is undoubtedly the biggest business in the world, whether that means materials for fashion or furniture, food, or tourism. His experience studying wildlife on an island in the Indian ocean taught him that biodiversity cannot survive on government grants, but can,and should, make its own living.

John Kunich acknowledges the difficulties in getting people to act against climate change when there is not even a unanimous consensus that global warming as a man-made phenomenon exists. However, as Kunich points out, saving the planet is well worth the gamble.