Vikram Chandra explains the good, bad, and ugly sides of AI, and how while AI has the potential to change our lives for good, it could also perhaps lead to human extinction within our lifetime.

The India Story | The good, bad, and ugly of AI

A new study has warned that Europe's insatiable appetite for frog legs could drive the Amphibians to 'irreversible extinction'.

EU puts frogs at the risk of extinction

France's beautiful wild cat, the Eurasian lynx, is in danger. Scientists have warned that the feline which was reintroduced to Switzerland in the 1970s will vanish from France if action isn't taken soon.

A genetic study published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science has shown that France's lynx population "desperately" needs help to survive.

Watch |&nbsp;U.S: 40% Animals, 34% Plants face extinction: NatureServe

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Nathan Huvier, the corresponding author, said that given the "rapid loss of genetic diversity, we estimate that this population will go extinct in less than 30 years."

According to him the species "urgently" needs new genetic material for its survival.

The estimated size of the species&nbsp;in France is merely 150 individuals. As per scientists, they are poorly connected to the much larger, healthier populations in Germany and Switzerland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/global-warming-cacti-colonise-swiss-mountainsides-replacing-snow-560893">Global warming: Cacti colonise Swiss mountainsides as snow cover recedes, threaten biodiversity</a>

As per Phys Org, experts have blamed a combination of poaching, car accidents and "inbreeding depression" for this suppressed growth. They also said that insufficient genetic diversity has led to problems with the species' reproduction and survival.

Huvier and his team collected genetic samples for a period of about 12 years, from 2008 to 2020. To avoid stress to an already suffering population, they only collected samples from injured, dead animals, or orphaned cubs. They managed to obtain 88 samples.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/goffins-cockatoos-join-humans-chimps-as-only-species-to-use-toolset-to-complete-tasks-study-561011">Goffin's cockatoos join humans, chimps as only species known to use toolset to complete tasks: Study</a>

"For us, this method is more ethical as there is no capture and thus stress induced for DNA sampling only," explained Huvier.

Scientists suggest that road signs warning of the lynx population in areas might help save them from road accidents. Additionally, replacing dead members of the population with individuals from healthier populations and the exchange of orphaned cubs between different wildlife rescue centres might help.

(With inputs from agencies)

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France's beautiful wild cat, the Eurasian lynx, is in danger. Scientists have warned that the feline which was reintroduced to Switzerland in the 1970s will vanish from France if action isn't taken soon.

France's beautiful wild cat, the Eurasian lynx, is in danger. Scientists have warned that the feline which was reintroduced to Switzerland in the 1970s will vanish from France if action isn't taken soon. A genetic study published in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science has shown that France's lynx population "desperately" needs help to survive. Watch | U.S: 40% Animals, 34% Plants face extinction: NatureServe Nathan Huvier, the corresponding author, said that given the "rapid loss of genetic diversity, we estimate that this population will go extinct in less than 30 years." According to him the species "urgently" needs new genetic material for its survival. The estimated size of the species in France is merely 150 individuals. As per scientists, they are poorly connected to the much larger, healthier populations in Germany and Switzerland. Also read | Global warming: Cacti colonise Swiss mountainsides as snow cover recedes, threaten biodiversity As per Phys Org, experts have blamed a combination of poaching, car accidents and "inbreeding depression" for this suppressed growth. They also said that insufficient genetic diversity has led to problems with the species' reproduction and survival. Huvier and his team collected genetic samples for a period of about 12 years, from 2008 to 2020. To avoid stress to an already suffering population, they only collected samples from injured, dead animals, or orphaned cubs. They managed to obtain 88 samples. Also read | Goffin's cockatoos join humans, chimps as only species known to use toolset to complete tasks: Study "For us, this method is more ethical as there is no capture and thus stress induced for DNA sampling only," explained Huvier. Scientists suggest that road signs warning of the lynx population in areas might help save them from road accidents. Additionally, replacing dead members of the population with individuals from healthier populations and the exchange of orphaned cubs between different wildlife rescue centres might help. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France's lynx population 'desperately' needs help to survive: Report

US-based firm Colossal Biosciences, which two years ago announced plans to bring back the woolly mammoth, said it now wants to bring back the iconic Dodo bird as well. Watch this report to know more.

Colossal Biosciences announces project to bring back Dodo bird from extinction

More than 65 per cent of plants and animals could go extinct by the end of this century if the current global emission trajectories remain the same, a new study has claimed.

Among the Antarctic species which is at the greater risk of extinction includes emperor penguins, followed by other seabirds and dry soil nematodes, the study published on Thursday in the journal PLOS Biology stated.

The research is part of an international collaboration between scientists, conservationists and policymakers from 28 institutions in 12 countries.

“Up to 80% of emperor penguin colonies are projected to be quasi-extinct by 2100 [population declines of more than 90%] with business-as-usual increases in greenhouse gas emissions,” it found.

The study also found that the current conservation strategies are not working in Antarctica and asserted that an extra layer of protection, which is estimated to cost US$23m annually, can protect up to 84 per cent of the continent’s vulnerable biodiversity.

“There are multiple threats impacting Antarctic species despite the fact that we think of it as this remote and pristine wilderness. The greatest threat is not coming from within,” said the study’s lead author, Dr Jasmine Lee, of the British Antarctic Survey, reports the Guardian.

Co-author of the study, Dr Aleks Terauds from the Australian Antarctic Division, said that the research highlighted that “biodiversity is under considerable pressure in Antarctica”.

“Antarctica is very well protected through the Antarctic treaty and through the protocol [on environmental protection],” Terauds was quoted as saying.

&nbsp;“But the uniqueness of the continent, its wilderness values and the incredible biodiversity means that we’re still looking for things that we can do to try and ensure that things are impacted as little as possible,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than 65 per cent of plants and animals could go extinct by the end of this century if the current global emission trajectories remain the same, a new study has claimed.

More than 65 per cent of plants and animals could go extinct by the end of this century if the current global emission trajectories remain the same, a new study has claimed. Among the Antarctic species which is at the greater risk of extinction includes emperor penguins, followed by other seabirds and dry soil nematodes, the study published on Thursday in the journal PLOS Biology stated. The research is part of an international collaboration between scientists, conservationists and policymakers from 28 institutions in 12 countries. “Up to 80% of emperor penguin colonies are projected to be quasi-extinct by 2100 [population declines of more than 90%] with business-as-usual increases in greenhouse gas emissions,” it found. The study also found that the current conservation strategies are not working in Antarctica and asserted that an extra layer of protection, which is estimated to cost US$23m annually, can protect up to 84 per cent of the continent’s vulnerable biodiversity. “There are multiple threats impacting Antarctic species despite the fact that we think of it as this remote and pristine wilderness. The greatest threat is not coming from within,” said the study’s lead author, Dr Jasmine Lee, of the British Antarctic Survey, reports the Guardian. Co-author of the study, Dr Aleks Terauds from the Australian Antarctic Division, said that the research highlighted that “biodiversity is under considerable pressure in Antarctica”. “Antarctica is very well protected through the Antarctic treaty and through the protocol [on environmental protection],” Terauds was quoted as saying. “But the uniqueness of the continent, its wilderness values and the incredible biodiversity means that we’re still looking for things that we can do to try and ensure that things are impacted as little as possible,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Emperor penguins at major risk of extinction in Antarctica: Report

Kenya is facing worst drought in decades as it is taking toll on the country's famous wildlife. Reportedly, hundreds of animals, including elephants and endangered Grévy's zebras have died in preserves. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Animals dying in droves due to drought in Kenya

More than a tenth of plant and animal species on Earth could go extinct by the end of the century if the current trends on emissions continue, according to a recently published paper that seeks to raise awareness even as the world governments are on their final leg of negotiations for COP15 in Montreal.

The paper published on Friday in Science Advances journal paints an alarming picture of what could unfold if the current climate crisis continues to trend, arguing that a rise in temperature could fracture Earth’s web of life.

It claims that more than 42,000 plants and animal species out of the 150,388 species monitored by the IUCN could go extinct, pinning the blame squarely on human behaviour.

It came up with its assessment after using a supercomputer to model a synthetic Earth to understand the effect global heating and land use change could have on living beings.

According to researchers, 6 per cent of plants and animals will disappear by 2050 if there is no change in emission norms and eventually, the figure would rise to 13 per cent by the end of the century.

It noted that in the worst-case scenario, an estimated 27 per cent of plants and animals could disappear by 2100.

“We have populated a virtual world from the ground up and mapped the resulting fate of thousands of species across the globe to determine the likelihood of real-world tipping points,” said Dr Giovanni Strona, a co-author and a scientist at the University of Helsinki, reports the Guardian.

“This study is unique because it accounts also for the secondary effect on biodiversity, estimating the effect of species going extinct in local food webs beyond direct effects. The results demonstrate that interlinkages within food webs worsen biodiversity loss,” said the study’s co-author, Prof Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University in Australia.

<h2>Canada increases biodiversity funding </h2>

Meanwhile, Canada on Friday said that it was ramping up its international biodiversity funding to developing countries. It made the announcement during tense COP15 talks aimed at sealing a "peace pact with nature".

Canada's environment minister Steven Guilbeault said the&nbsp;government has pledged to increase the fund by 255 million Canadian dollars (US$186 million) in aid for lower-income countries to help them protect their ecosystems, bringing the total figure to 1.5 billion Canadian dollars annually.

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than a tenth of plant and animal species on Earth could go extinct by the end of the century if the current trends on emissions continue, according to a recently published paper that seeks to raise awareness even as the world governments are on their final leg of negotiations for COP15 in Montreal.

More than a tenth of plant and animal species on Earth could go extinct by the end of the century if the current trends on emissions continue, according to a recently published paper that seeks to raise awareness even as the world governments are on their final leg of negotiations for COP15 in Montreal. The paper published on Friday in Science Advances journal paints an alarming picture of what could unfold if the current climate crisis continues to trend, arguing that a rise in temperature could fracture Earth’s web of life. It claims that more than 42,000 plants and animal species out of the 150,388 species monitored by the IUCN could go extinct, pinning the blame squarely on human behaviour. It came up with its assessment after using a supercomputer to model a synthetic Earth to understand the effect global heating and land use change could have on living beings. According to researchers, 6 per cent of plants and animals will disappear by 2050 if there is no change in emission norms and eventually, the figure would rise to 13 per cent by the end of the century. It noted that in the worst-case scenario, an estimated 27 per cent of plants and animals could disappear by 2100. “We have populated a virtual world from the ground up and mapped the resulting fate of thousands of species across the globe to determine the likelihood of real-world tipping points,” said Dr Giovanni Strona, a co-author and a scientist at the University of Helsinki, reports the Guardian. “This study is unique because it accounts also for the secondary effect on biodiversity, estimating the effect of species going extinct in local food webs beyond direct effects. The results demonstrate that interlinkages within food webs worsen biodiversity loss,” said the study’s co-author, Prof Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University in Australia. Canada increases biodiversity funding Meanwhile, Canada on Friday said that it was ramping up its international biodiversity funding to developing countries. It made the announcement during tense COP15 talks aimed at sealing a "peace pact with nature". Canada's environment minister Steven Guilbeault said the government has pledged to increase the fund by 255 million Canadian dollars (US$186 million) in aid for lower-income countries to help them protect their ecosystems, bringing the total figure to 1.5 billion Canadian dollars annually. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

More than 10% of plant and animal species could go extinct by end of 21st century  

Humanity has just eight days left to seal a deal to save nature from destruction at our species' hands. But, halfway into&nbsp;the historic COP15 biodiversity talks, there's no major progress.

The UN talks were touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing.&nbsp;However, as per AFP, there has been no major progress on increased funding for conservation in developing nations or the "30 by 30" pledge to safeguard 30 per cent of land mass, and seas by 2030.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Why are plant species disappearing fast?

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On Thursday, environment ministers of the 196 members of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) take over from their delegates in Montreal, and it is hoped that negotiations will get serious.

But the chances that the talks that end on December 19 will close with an agreement for an ambitious "peace pact with nature" seems far-fetched given the state the draft is currently in.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-critical-nature-talks-open-un-chief-says-humanity-has-become-a-weapon-of-mass-destruction-540741">As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction'</a>

AFP reports that despite the many hours the 5,000 experts and delegates spent pouring over the text it remains far behind schedule, with dozens of points still awaiting discussions.

Of the 22 or 23 envisaged objectives, only five have been settled. As Alfred DeGemmis, a senior official at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) puts it "Governments are making progress, but not fast enough to prepare a clean text for the arrival of ministers."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/by-2025-funds-for-nature-conservation-must-total-384-billion-annually-unep-539083">By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP</a>

"We are seeing flashes of light at the end of the tunnel," said the head of WWF International, Marco Lambertini. He added that he had observed a "much more constructive engagement" since the talks began, however, there's still a long way to go.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Humanity has just eight days left to seal a deal to save nature from destruction at our species' hands. But, halfway into the historic COP15 biodiversity talks, there's no major progress.

Humanity has just eight days left to seal a deal to save nature from destruction at our species' hands. But, halfway into the historic COP15 biodiversity talks, there's no major progress. The UN talks were touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing. However, as per AFP, there has been no major progress on increased funding for conservation in developing nations or the "30 by 30" pledge to safeguard 30 per cent of land mass, and seas by 2030. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Why are plant species disappearing fast? On Thursday, environment ministers of the 196 members of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) take over from their delegates in Montreal, and it is hoped that negotiations will get serious. But the chances that the talks that end on December 19 will close with an agreement for an ambitious "peace pact with nature" seems far-fetched given the state the draft is currently in. Also read | As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction' AFP reports that despite the many hours the 5,000 experts and delegates spent pouring over the text it remains far behind schedule, with dozens of points still awaiting discussions. Of the 22 or 23 envisaged objectives, only five have been settled. As Alfred DeGemmis, a senior official at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) puts it "Governments are making progress, but not fast enough to prepare a clean text for the arrival of ministers." Also read | By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP "We are seeing flashes of light at the end of the tunnel," said the head of WWF International, Marco Lambertini. He added that he had observed a "much more constructive engagement" since the talks began, however, there's still a long way to go. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Halfway through, COP15 a.k.a humanity's 'last best chance' to save Earth has gotten nowhere

High-stakes biodiversity negotiations are starting on Wednesday (Dec 7) in Canada, touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing.

At the beginning of the talks that will hammer out a 10-year framework to save the planet's forests, oceans, and species, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "with our bottomless appetite for unchecked and unequal economic growth, humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction."

"This conference is our chance to stop this orgy of destruction," he added.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Canada to host UN Biodiversity Summit to safeguard nature

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The meeting, officially known as COP15 will last from December 7-19 and comes after two years of Covid-related delay and recent several days long pre-negotiations that saw very little progress on key issues.

Hopes from the two-week UN summit includes a deal that ensures that future generation has more "nature" by the end of this decade than Earth has now.

Vanishing at a rate not seen in 10 million years, currently, more than one billion species, especially insects are facing the threat of extinction. Additionally, as per the 2022 UN Global Land Outlook assessment, around 40 per cent of the planet's land is considered degraded.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/by-2025-funds-for-nature-conservation-must-total-384-billion-annually-unep-539083">By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP</a>

Draft targets as per AFP include a 10-year framework with the pledge to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and seas by 2030.

Any deal reached during the summit will have to be agreed upon by all 196 governments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

However, funding remains a contentious issue, with developing nations demanding increased funding for conservation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/18-billion-thats-how-much-governments-fund-every-year-to-human-extinction-and-climate-change-454012">$1.8 billion; that's how much govt subsidies contribute every year to human extinction &amp; climate change</a>

Earlier this year a group of nations called for wealthy nations to offer $100 billion annually for biodiversity, with the contribution rising to $700 billion a year by 2020. Some countries are also backing a separate funding mechanism, a move resisted by wealthy nations.

The summit has been labelled as "probably the last best chance for governments to turn things around for nature, and to rescue our precious life support system," by the head of international Advocacy at WWF, Bernadette Fischler Hooper.

(With inputs from agencies)

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High-stakes biodiversity negotiations are starting on Wednesday (Dec 7) in Canada, touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing.

High-stakes biodiversity negotiations are starting on Wednesday (Dec 7) in Canada, touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing. At the beginning of the talks that will hammer out a 10-year framework to save the planet's forests, oceans, and species, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "with our bottomless appetite for unchecked and unequal economic growth, humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction." "This conference is our chance to stop this orgy of destruction," he added. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Canada to host UN Biodiversity Summit to safeguard nature The meeting, officially known as COP15 will last from December 7-19 and comes after two years of Covid-related delay and recent several days long pre-negotiations that saw very little progress on key issues. Hopes from the two-week UN summit includes a deal that ensures that future generation has more "nature" by the end of this decade than Earth has now. Vanishing at a rate not seen in 10 million years, currently, more than one billion species, especially insects are facing the threat of extinction. Additionally, as per the 2022 UN Global Land Outlook assessment, around 40 per cent of the planet's land is considered degraded. Also read | By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP Draft targets as per AFP include a 10-year framework with the pledge to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and seas by 2030. Any deal reached during the summit will have to be agreed upon by all 196 governments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). However, funding remains a contentious issue, with developing nations demanding increased funding for conservation. Also read | $1.8 billion; that's how much govt subsidies contribute every year to human extinction & climate change Earlier this year a group of nations called for wealthy nations to offer $100 billion annually for biodiversity, with the contribution rising to $700 billion a year by 2020. Some countries are also backing a separate funding mechanism, a move resisted by wealthy nations. The summit has been labelled as "probably the last best chance for governments to turn things around for nature, and to rescue our precious life support system," by the head of international Advocacy at WWF, Bernadette Fischler Hooper. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction'

Research is shown that bringing back endangered species can revive the ecosystem. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Study: Bringing back endangered species can improve ecosystem

UK has witnessed a decrease in the native mussels population. Mussels population has declined by 95%. Watch further to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: Alarming decline in UK's native mussels population

According to a new report, almost half of all bird species are in decline globally and one in eight are threatened with extinction. Most bird populations face a combination of human-caused threats.

WION Climate Tracker | Report: Half of world’s bird species face decline

Birds are a key indicator of the health of the planet, as they are responsive to environmental change and have important ecological functions.

However, it seems that some bird species are nearing extinction, a new report has claimed. And it has blamed&nbsp;human actions for such ecological destruction.

A report titled ‘State of the World’s Birds’, which is published every four years by BirdLife International, has said that 49 per cent of the bird species are on the decline, while one in eight are threatened with extinction and at least 187 species are confirmed or suspected to have gone extinct since 1500.

"One in eight bird species is threatened with extinction, and the status of the world's birds continues to deteriorate: species are moving ever faster towards extinction," said the report released this week.

The report bases its findings on the data of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

In North America, the losses are profound. BirdLife International report&nbsp;states that there are now 2.9 billion fewer individual birds in the region than there were in 1970, an estimated drop of 29 per cent.

While European Union has seen a net loss of around 600 million birds, roughly 18 per cent since 1980.

The ecologists say that expansion and intensification of agriculture are putting pressure on 73 per cent of species, while logging, invasive species, exploitation of natural resources and climate breakdown are the other main threats.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-glaciers-melt-at-record-rate-lose-over-6-volume-in-2022-520537" hreflang="en">Swiss glaciers' melting rate peaks to worst in century, lose over 6% volume</a>

&nbsp;“We have to stop these declines and start getting on track for recovery. Our future, as well as the world’s birds, depends on it. If we continue to unravel the fabric of life, we’re going to continue to place our own future at threat,” Dr Stuart Butchart, chief scientist at BirdLife International, said, according to the Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-big-central-banks-financing-deforestation-of-brazils-amazon-forest-report-520610" hreflang="en">Three big central banks financing deforestation of Brazil’s Amazon forest</a>

In the 2018 report, BirdLife International found 40 per cent of bird species worldwide in decline.

“Birds are useful for telling us about the state of the planet. What they say is that nature is in poor condition, lots of species are in decline,” Butchart said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Birds are a key indicator of the health of the planet, as they are responsive to environmental change and have important ecological functions. However, it seems that some bird species are nearing extinction, a new report has claimed.

Birds are a key indicator of the health of the planet, as they are responsive to environmental change and have important ecological functions. However, it seems that some bird species are nearing extinction, a new report has claimed. And it has blamed human actions for such ecological destruction. A report titled ‘State of the World’s Birds’, which is published every four years by BirdLife International, has said that 49 per cent of the bird species are on the decline, while one in eight are threatened with extinction and at least 187 species are confirmed or suspected to have gone extinct since 1500. "One in eight bird species is threatened with extinction, and the status of the world's birds continues to deteriorate: species are moving ever faster towards extinction," said the report released this week. The report bases its findings on the data of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In North America, the losses are profound. BirdLife International report states that there are now 2.9 billion fewer individual birds in the region than there were in 1970, an estimated drop of 29 per cent. While European Union has seen a net loss of around 600 million birds, roughly 18 per cent since 1980. The ecologists say that expansion and intensification of agriculture are putting pressure on 73 per cent of species, while logging, invasive species, exploitation of natural resources and climate breakdown are the other main threats. Also read | Swiss glaciers' melting rate peaks to worst in century, lose over 6% volume “We have to stop these declines and start getting on track for recovery. Our future, as well as the world’s birds, depends on it. If we continue to unravel the fabric of life, we’re going to continue to place our own future at threat,” Dr Stuart Butchart, chief scientist at BirdLife International, said, according to the Guardian. Also read | Three big central banks financing deforestation of Brazil’s Amazon forest In the 2018 report, BirdLife International found 40 per cent of bird species worldwide in decline. “Birds are useful for telling us about the state of the planet. What they say is that nature is in poor condition, lots of species are in decline,” Butchart said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nearly half of bird species in decline, moving faster to extinction: Report

More than a thousand species of palm tree are at risk of extinction, according to a study. Scientists used artificial intelligence to assess risks to the entire palm family, from tall trees to climbing plants.

WION Climate Tracker | Study: More than half of the world's palm trees in danger

The deaths within days of 11 sturgeon, a species unchanged for thousands of years, have puzzled Canadian biologists, who are trying to save a fish teetering towards extinction.

WION Climate Tracker: Sudden die-off of endangered sturgeon alarms Canadian biologists

Climate change and global warming are indeed detrimental to the well-being of our planet but just how dangerous can it be for the life has been thrown light upon by a scientific study. Researchers from Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Nova Scotia have concluded that if emission of greenhouse gases continue with 'business as usual' approach, nearly all marine species would face risk of extinction by the end of 21st century.&nbsp;

For this study, the researchers studied threat faced by nearly 25,000 marine species. They found that almost 90 per cent of these species will be at risk of extinction by the end of this century. The species that the researchers studied included plants, animals, bacteria, protozoans and chromists.

Daniel Boyce, an ecologist at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, and author of the study said that the findings are "quite startling and very sobering". He was quoted by ABC News.

"I'd like to think that that's an implausible scenario," Boyce said. "But nonetheless, it is the worst-case scenario. And when we evaluated that scenario, we found that there was a very grim picture for the climate risk for marine species."

Such a large percentage of marine life facing extinction may create huge problems for the global ecosystem.&nbsp;

It is well known that food chains and food webs are interconnected across the biosphere on Earth. A tectonic shift, such as predicted by the study may surely spell trouble for all life on the planet.

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Climate change and global warming are indeed detrimental to the well-being of our planet but just how dangerous can it be for the life has been thrown light upon by a scientific study.

Climate change and global warming are indeed detrimental to the well-being of our planet but just how dangerous can it be for the life has been thrown light upon by a scientific study. Researchers from Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Nova Scotia have concluded that if emission of greenhouse gases continue with 'business as usual' approach, nearly all marine species would face risk of extinction by the end of 21st century. For this study, the researchers studied threat faced by nearly 25,000 marine species. They found that almost 90 per cent of these species will be at risk of extinction by the end of this century. The species that the researchers studied included plants, animals, bacteria, protozoans and chromists. Daniel Boyce, an ecologist at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, and author of the study said that the findings are "quite startling and very sobering". He was quoted by ABC News. "I'd like to think that that's an implausible scenario," Boyce said. "But nonetheless, it is the worst-case scenario. And when we evaluated that scenario, we found that there was a very grim picture for the climate risk for marine species." Such a large percentage of marine life facing extinction may create huge problems for the global ecosystem. It is well known that food chains and food webs are interconnected across the biosphere on Earth. A tectonic shift, such as predicted by the study may surely spell trouble for all life on the planet. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Up to 90 per cent of marine species can go extinct due to greenhouse gas emissions: Study

Life is fragile. We are always at the precipice of danger. While we can protect ourselves against the small things like accidents, illness etc. What about the big, global catastrophes?

Climate change, pandemic, super volcanoes and more: Ways in which we might go extinct

In the past decade migrating monarch butterflies have hovered close to extinction. Now, scientists at the IUCN have officially designated these butterflies as endangered. Their decline is being blamed on deforestation and urbanization.

WION Climate Tracker | Migratory monarch butterflies listed as 'engendered' by IUCN

30 green sea turtles were stabbed in Japan. Nearly half a million animals were killed during lab tests in Belgium. UN report says 1 million species could become extinct because. Palki Sharma tells you why you must act now.

Gravitas: UN Report: 1 Million species on track to extinction

In a "thrilling" Antarctic spectacle, for the first time since whaling was banned, dozens of southern fin whales were spotted feasting together. This has been hailed by scientists as a sign of hope for the world's second-largest animal, second in length only to blue whales. The ocean giants possess a slender body that helps them glide through water at a really high speed. However, even this speed couldn't help them evade whaling. In the 20th century, they were driven to near-extinction by hunters who systematically shattered populations of whales globally. Their numbers reached an alarming one to two per cent of the original population size. A whaling ban in the 1970s helped rescue the mysterious animal from the brink of nothingness.

Although researchers claim that southern fin whale populations have been slowly increasing following a 1976 whaling ban, there have been only been a&nbsp;few reports of these fascinating creatures in big groups at their traditional feeding areas.

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But scientists and filmmakers were able to record footage of up to 150 southern fin whales in Antarctica, in what Herr called "one of nature's greatest events."

Wildlife filmmakers from the BBC captured footage of the fin whales using a drone as they swooped and lunged through the water, launching huge bursts of air as they surfaced.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-is-undergoing-sixth-mass-extinction-and-things-dont-look-good-for-humans-458842">World is undergoing sixth mass extinction and things don't look good for humans</a>

According to Helena Herr, a researcher at the University of Hamburg and the study's primary author, "one or two percent of their original population size."

"We're talking about a couple of thousand animals left for the whole southern hemisphere area."

The scientists unofficially dubbed it the "fin whale party" as the massive animals feasted on swirling krill swarms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/climate-change-threatens-emperor-penguins-species-faces-extinction-in-30-years-476953">Climate change threatens Emperor penguins; species faces extinction in 30 years</a>

Fin whales were observed in around a hundred&nbsp;groups over two voyages in 2018 and 2019; these groups ranged in size from eight enormous congregations of up to 150 whales to small gatherings of just a few individuals.

Prior to now, feeding groups of whales were only ever observed with a maximum of twelve members.

The authors calculate that there may be close to 8,000 fin whales in the Antarctic region using information from their surveys.&nbsp;Fin whales are presently classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and it is thought that there are 100,000 of them worldwide, with the majority living in the northern hemisphere.

(With inputs from agecies)

In a "thrilling" Antarctic spectacle, for the first time since whaling was banned, dozens of southern fin whales were spotted feasting together. This has been hailed by scientists as a sign of hope for the world's second-largest animal, second in length only to blue whales.

In a "thrilling" Antarctic spectacle, for the first time since whaling was banned, dozens of southern fin whales were spotted feasting together. This has been hailed by scientists as a sign of hope for the world's second-largest animal, second in length only to blue whales. The ocean giants possess a slender body that helps them glide through water at a really high speed. However, even this speed couldn't help them evade whaling. In the 20th century, they were driven to near-extinction by hunters who systematically shattered populations of whales globally. Their numbers reached an alarming one to two per cent of the original population size. A whaling ban in the 1970s helped rescue the mysterious animal from the brink of nothingness. Although researchers claim that southern fin whale populations have been slowly increasing following a 1976 whaling ban, there have been only been a few reports of these fascinating creatures in big groups at their traditional feeding areas. Watch | Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth? But scientists and filmmakers were able to record footage of up to 150 southern fin whales in Antarctica, in what Herr called "one of nature's greatest events." Wildlife filmmakers from the BBC captured footage of the fin whales using a drone as they swooped and lunged through the water, launching huge bursts of air as they surfaced. Also read | World is undergoing sixth mass extinction and things don't look good for humans According to Helena Herr, a researcher at the University of Hamburg and the study's primary author, "one or two percent of their original population size." "We're talking about a couple of thousand animals left for the whole southern hemisphere area." The scientists unofficially dubbed it the "fin whale party" as the massive animals feasted on swirling krill swarms. Also read | Climate change threatens Emperor penguins; species faces extinction in 30 years Fin whales were observed in around a hundred groups over two voyages in 2018 and 2019; these groups ranged in size from eight enormous congregations of up to 150 whales to small gatherings of just a few individuals. Prior to now, feeding groups of whales were only ever observed with a maximum of twelve members. The authors calculate that there may be close to 8,000 fin whales in the Antarctic region using information from their surveys. Fin whales are presently classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and it is thought that there are 100,000 of them worldwide, with the majority living in the northern hemisphere. (With inputs from agecies)

In 'one of nature's greatest events' a party of over 150 ocean giants, signals hope for vulnerable species

Scientists at the Japan's University of Yamanashi have successfully produced cloned mice using freeze-dried cells in a technique they believe could one day help conserve species and overcome challenges with current biobanking methods. The United Nations has warned that extinctions are accelerating worldwide and at least a million species could disappear because of human-induced impacts like climate change. 
&nbsp; 
As reported by AFP, facilities have sprung up globally to preserve samples from endangered species with the goal of preventing their extinction by future cloning. These samples are generally cryopreserved using liquid nitrogen or kept at extremely low temperatures, which can be costly and vulnerable to power outages. They also usually involve sperm and egg cells, which can be difficult or impossible to harvest from old or infertile animals. 
&nbsp; 
Scientists wanted to see whether they could solve those problems by freeze-drying somatic cells, any cell that isn't a sperm or egg cell and attempting to produce clones. They experimented with two types of mice cells and found that, while freeze-drying killed them and caused significant DNA damage, they could still produce cloned blastocysts -- a ball of cells that develops into an embryo.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/udaipur-terror-attack-how-my-hometown-turned-into-a-curfew-zone-494414">Udaipur terror attack: How my hometown turned into a curfew zone&nbsp;</a>

From these, the scientists extracted stem cell lines that they used to create 75 cloned mice. One of the mice survived a year and nine months, and the team also successfully mated female and male cloned mice with natural-born partners and produced normal pups. The cloned mice produced fewer offspring than would have been expected from natural-born mice, and one of the stem cell lines developed from male cells produced only female mice clones. 
&nbsp; 
Teruhiko Wakayama, a professor at the University of Yamanashi's Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, who helped lead the study published in the journal Nature Communications this month told AFP, "Improvement should not be difficult. We believe that in the future we will be able to reduce abnormalities and increase the birth rate by searching for freeze-drying protectant agents and improving drying methods."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
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Scientists at the Japan's University of Yamanashi have successfully produced cloned mice using freeze-dried cells in a technique they believe could one day help conserve species and overcome challenges with current biobanking methods.

Scientists at the Japan's University of Yamanashi have successfully produced cloned mice using freeze-dried cells in a technique they believe could one day help conserve species and overcome challenges with current biobanking methods. The United Nations has warned that extinctions are accelerating worldwide and at least a million species could disappear because of human-induced impacts like climate change. As reported by AFP, facilities have sprung up globally to preserve samples from endangered species with the goal of preventing their extinction by future cloning. These samples are generally cryopreserved using liquid nitrogen or kept at extremely low temperatures, which can be costly and vulnerable to power outages. They also usually involve sperm and egg cells, which can be difficult or impossible to harvest from old or infertile animals. Scientists wanted to see whether they could solve those problems by freeze-drying somatic cells, any cell that isn't a sperm or egg cell and attempting to produce clones. They experimented with two types of mice cells and found that, while freeze-drying killed them and caused significant DNA damage, they could still produce cloned blastocysts -- a ball of cells that develops into an embryo. Also Read: Udaipur terror attack: How my hometown turned into a curfew zone From these, the scientists extracted stem cell lines that they used to create 75 cloned mice. One of the mice survived a year and nine months, and the team also successfully mated female and male cloned mice with natural-born partners and produced normal pups. The cloned mice produced fewer offspring than would have been expected from natural-born mice, and one of the stem cell lines developed from male cells produced only female mice clones. Teruhiko Wakayama, a professor at the University of Yamanashi's Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, who helped lead the study published in the journal Nature Communications this month told AFP, "Improvement should not be difficult. We believe that in the future we will be able to reduce abnormalities and increase the birth rate by searching for freeze-drying protectant agents and improving drying methods." (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japanese scientists clone mice using freeze-dried cells to prevent future extinction

Human consumption is threatening frog extinction. Meanwhile, Indonesia is the largest exporter of frogs and as per the reports, the French consume 4,000 tonnes of frog legs annually.

Europe's voracious appetite for frogs: Human consumption is threatening frog extinction

After months of investigations and research scientists in Colombia were able to save an endangered species of frogs. Nearly 900 species are at a global risk of extinction

Colombian scientists save frog species from extinction

Climate change threatens Emperor penguins; species faces extinction in 30 years

Global warming is a problem plaguing the earth with temperatures rising around the planet and this has caused major concerns for life on all terrains. The melting ice caps are already posing a huge threat to life on the planet, and it seems that the marine species are also not safe anymore.

A new research claims that global warming has brought out drastic changes in the oceans and this can result into an unprecedented extinction of marine species. The ocean ecosystems have been undergoing a lot of changes due to climate change and that has impacted marine biological richness.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-de-beers-cullinan-blue-worlds-largest-blue-diamond-to-go-under-hammer-sells-for-575-million-474717" hreflang="en">'The De Beers Cullinan Blue', world's largest blue diamond to go under hammer, sells for $57.5 million</a>

The study says that with the water levels going up and the temperatures soaring, the level of oxygen in the ocean waters have gone down and this has resulted in the water taking in carbon dioxide from the air.

Thus, the water levels are going up but with not enough oxygen, the environment has become hostile for a number of aquatic animals and the study states that the depletion of oxygen is almost four times of that in 1960s. This has majorly impacted the growth and development of aquatic life.

The study, which was published in science, compared the current situation to the “great dying” – an event which occurred 250 million years ago resulting in the death of 96 per cent of marine creatures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-reports-a-fireball-that-generated-energy-equivalent-of-3-tons-of-tnt-read-more-474797" hreflang="en">NASA reports a fireball that generated energy equivalent of 3 tons of TNT! Read more</a>

“Even if the magnitude of species loss is not the same level as this, the mechanism of the species loss would be the same,” said Justin Penn, a climate scientist at Princeton University.

“The future of life in the oceans rests strongly on what we decide to do with greenhouse gases today. There are two vastly different oceans we could be seeing, one devoid of a lot of life we see today, depending on what we see with CO2 emissions moving forward,” he was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

WATCH |&nbsp;2021: 11 million hectares tropic cover lost

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Global warming is a problem plaguing the earth with temperatures rising around the planet and this has caused major concerns for life on all terrains. The melting ice caps are already posing a huge threat to life on the planet, and it seems that the marine species are also not safe anymore.

Global warming is a problem plaguing the earth with temperatures rising around the planet and this has caused major concerns for life on all terrains. The melting ice caps are already posing a huge threat to life on the planet, and it seems that the marine species are also not safe anymore. A new research claims that global warming has brought out drastic changes in the oceans and this can result into an unprecedented extinction of marine species. The ocean ecosystems have been undergoing a lot of changes due to climate change and that has impacted marine biological richness. Also read | 'The De Beers Cullinan Blue', world's largest blue diamond to go under hammer, sells for $57.5 million The study says that with the water levels going up and the temperatures soaring, the level of oxygen in the ocean waters have gone down and this has resulted in the water taking in carbon dioxide from the air. Thus, the water levels are going up but with not enough oxygen, the environment has become hostile for a number of aquatic animals and the study states that the depletion of oxygen is almost four times of that in 1960s. This has majorly impacted the growth and development of aquatic life. The study, which was published in science, compared the current situation to the “great dying” – an event which occurred 250 million years ago resulting in the death of 96 per cent of marine creatures. Also read | NASA reports a fireball that generated energy equivalent of 3 tons of TNT! Read more “Even if the magnitude of species loss is not the same level as this, the mechanism of the species loss would be the same,” said Justin Penn, a climate scientist at Princeton University. “The future of life in the oceans rests strongly on what we decide to do with greenhouse gases today. There are two vastly different oceans we could be seeing, one devoid of a lot of life we see today, depending on what we see with CO2 emissions moving forward,” he was quoted as saying by The Guardian. WATCH | 2021: 11 million hectares tropic cover lost

Global warming can cause worst extinction of marine life in 250 million years, study claims

Freezing of koala sperm could be a way to protect the endangered species from extinction, suggested researchers in Australia.

The population of these animals has been dwindling due to several hardships like bushfires.

A biolab of collected sperm could be built to ensure the survival of the endangered marsupials, scientists at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales said, according to reports.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-discovers-malware-capable-of-gaining-access-to-industrial-control-systems-issues-alert-471072" hreflang="en">US discovers malware capable of gaining access to industrial control systems, issues alert</a>

These sperms can later be used in a breeding programme to bring a spike in the population of the species and improve genetic diversity, they said. &nbsp;

Dr Ryan Witt, a conservation scientist, said the proposal is a cost-effective way to preserve the genetic diversity of koalas. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US claims advanced hackers have shown ability to hijack critical infrastructure

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"Currently... we have no insurance policy against natural disasters like the 2019-2020 bushfires that threaten to wipe out large numbers of animals at the one time. If the koala population dies in these kind of fire events, there is no way to bring them back or preserve their genetics," Witt told BBC. &nbsp;

Dr Lachlan Howell from University of Newcastle, said, "By using frozen sperm, we can reintroduce genetic variation into wild koala populations without having to relocate koalas. We've identified 16 wildlife hospitals and zoos across Australia that could act as nodes to collect koala sperm." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Freezing of koala sperm could be a way to protect the endangered species from extinction, suggested researchers in Australia. The population of these animals has been dwindling due to several hardships like bushfires.

Freezing of koala sperm could be a way to protect the endangered species from extinction, suggested researchers in Australia. The population of these animals has been dwindling due to several hardships like bushfires. A biolab of collected sperm could be built to ensure the survival of the endangered marsupials, scientists at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales said, according to reports. Also Read: US discovers malware capable of gaining access to industrial control systems, issues alert These sperms can later be used in a breeding programme to bring a spike in the population of the species and improve genetic diversity, they said. Dr Ryan Witt, a conservation scientist, said the proposal is a cost-effective way to preserve the genetic diversity of koalas. Watch: US claims advanced hackers have shown ability to hijack critical infrastructure × "Currently... we have no insurance policy against natural disasters like the 2019-2020 bushfires that threaten to wipe out large numbers of animals at the one time. If the koala population dies in these kind of fire events, there is no way to bring them back or preserve their genetics," Witt told BBC. Dr Lachlan Howell from University of Newcastle, said, "By using frozen sperm, we can reintroduce genetic variation into wild koala populations without having to relocate koalas. We've identified 16 wildlife hospitals and zoos across Australia that could act as nodes to collect koala sperm." (With inputs from agencies)

Freeze koala sperm to protect endangered species from extinction, scientists suggest

Mountain Bongos are poached for their meat and are on the verge of extinction. Kenya wildlife conservancy has 56 Mountain Bongos.

Poached for their meat, mountain Bongos are on the verge of extinction

Researchers are warning that people are funding their own extinction with at least $1.8 billion spent every year on subsidies that cause wildlife to be wiped out and climate change to rise, according to a new study.

The first cross-sector assessment in over a decade documents how government spending and subsidies are harming the environment. These subsidies range from tax breaks and grants for beef production in the Amazon to funding for unsustainable groundwater pumping in the Middle East.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-contrast-to-covids-59-million-deaths-this-malady-kills-more-than-9-million-people-every-year-453616" hreflang="en">In contrast to Covid's 5.9 million deaths, this malady kills more than 9 million people every year</a>

According to the <a href="https://www.businessfornature.org/news/subsidy-reform">research&nbsp;on explicit subsidies</a>, the 2 per cent of global GDP government support is directly working against the goals of the Paris agreement and draft targets on reversing biodiversity loss. In other words, the government is effectively funding pollution, land subsidence, and deforestation with state funds.

The report urges governments to agree to eliminate environmentally harmful subsidies by the end of the decade. Furthermore, it calls for companies to reveal the subsidies they receive as part of their environmental disclosure reporting.

Amid growing political division on the cost of decarbonising the global economy, the authors suggest repurposing an important part of the $1.8tn to support policies that benefit nature and transition to net zero.

Christiana Figueres, who headed the United Nations climate change convention when the Paris agreement was signed, praised the research. According to her, subsidies created huge risks for businesses that received them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toppled-off-of-knife-edge-australias-famous-koala-is-now-an-endangered-animal-452372" hreflang="en">Toppled off of 'knife edge': Australia's famous Koala is now an 'endangered' animal</a>

We have never lived on a planet with so little biodiversity, she said, and nature is declining at an alarming rate. We must reorient harmful subsidies toward protecting nature and the climate, rather than funding our own extinction, she added.

There are four industries that account for most of the $1.8tn, according to the report: fossil fuels ($620bn), agriculture ($520bn), water ($320bn) and forestry ($155bn). There was no estimate for mining, which is said to cause ecosystems billions of dollars in damage every year.

The true cost of subsidies is likely to be much higher due to the lack of transparency between governments and recipients. The International Monetary Fund said last year that fossil fuel companies received subsidies worth more than $5.9 trillion in 2020, but this figure largely reflects hidden costs from failing to hold polluters accountable for their deaths and global warming.

Watch |&nbsp;Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth?

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According to a UN report last year, close to 90 per cent of the subsidies given to farmers every year are harmful, damaging people's health, causing climate change, and destroying nature while increasing inequality by excluding smallhold farmers.

The UN's biodiversity chief, Elizabeth Mrema, said the report was critical.

She states that the report highlights how redirecting, repurposing, or eliminating subsidies could make a significant contribution to halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 as well as reducing the cost of achieving net zero emissions.

Researchers are warning that people are funding their own extinction with at least $1.8 billion spent every year on subsidies that cause wildlife to be wiped out and climate change to rise, according to a new study.

Researchers are warning that people are funding their own extinction with at least $1.8 billion spent every year on subsidies that cause wildlife to be wiped out and climate change to rise, according to a new study. The first cross-sector assessment in over a decade documents how government spending and subsidies are harming the environment. These subsidies range from tax breaks and grants for beef production in the Amazon to funding for unsustainable groundwater pumping in the Middle East. Also read | In contrast to Covid's 5.9 million deaths, this malady kills more than 9 million people every year According to the research on explicit subsidies, the 2 per cent of global GDP government support is directly working against the goals of the Paris agreement and draft targets on reversing biodiversity loss. In other words, the government is effectively funding pollution, land subsidence, and deforestation with state funds. The report urges governments to agree to eliminate environmentally harmful subsidies by the end of the decade. Furthermore, it calls for companies to reveal the subsidies they receive as part of their environmental disclosure reporting. Amid growing political division on the cost of decarbonising the global economy, the authors suggest repurposing an important part of the $1.8tn to support policies that benefit nature and transition to net zero. Christiana Figueres, who headed the United Nations climate change convention when the Paris agreement was signed, praised the research. According to her, subsidies created huge risks for businesses that received them. Also read | Toppled off of 'knife edge': Australia's famous Koala is now an 'endangered' animal We have never lived on a planet with so little biodiversity, she said, and nature is declining at an alarming rate. We must reorient harmful subsidies toward protecting nature and the climate, rather than funding our own extinction, she added. There are four industries that account for most of the $1.8tn, according to the report: fossil fuels ($620bn), agriculture ($520bn), water ($320bn) and forestry ($155bn). There was no estimate for mining, which is said to cause ecosystems billions of dollars in damage every year. The true cost of subsidies is likely to be much higher due to the lack of transparency between governments and recipients. The International Monetary Fund said last year that fossil fuel companies received subsidies worth more than $5.9 trillion in 2020, but this figure largely reflects hidden costs from failing to hold polluters accountable for their deaths and global warming. Watch | Non-vegetarians, will you make changes to save Earth? According to a UN report last year, close to 90 per cent of the subsidies given to farmers every year are harmful, damaging people's health, causing climate change, and destroying nature while increasing inequality by excluding smallhold farmers. The UN's biodiversity chief, Elizabeth Mrema, said the report was critical. She states that the report highlights how redirecting, repurposing, or eliminating subsidies could make a significant contribution to halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 as well as reducing the cost of achieving net zero emissions.

$1.8 billion; that's how much govt subsidies contribute every year to human extinction & climate change

A recent study led by the University of Hawaii states that earth is going through its sixth mass extinction. There have been five mass extinctions so far. However, all of those were caused by natural phenomena. This time, it is being caused entirely by humans.&nbsp;

The process of extinction is not new to earth. It has been going on since the 16th century. The study further highlights that earth could have already lost about 7.5 and 13 per cent of its total species since then.&nbsp;

"Incorporating estimates of the true number of invertebrate extinctions leads to the conclusion that the rate vastly exceeds the background rate and that we may indeed be witnessing the start of the sixth mass extinction," the study read.&nbsp;

As a part of the study, the team of researchers analysed molluscs, which happens to be the second-largest phylum in numbers of known species. According to the IUCN Red List data, molluscs have suffered a higher rate of extinction than birds and mammals.&nbsp;

Invertebrates, however, constitute about 95 per cent of known animal species.

Therefore, it is important to include them in the biodiversity extinction estimate, researchers argue.&nbsp;

The study also countered the views presented by some of the researchers. The head of the research, Robert Cowie, said that the Red list is biased as it leaves out most invertebrates. "Incorporating estimates of the true number of invertebrate extinctions leads to the conclusion that the rate vastly exceeds the background rate and that we may indeed be witnessing the start of the Sixth Mass Extinction,” the study read.&nbsp;

The study further urged the scientists to unite and do everything to stop the extinction of species.&nbsp;

A recent study led by the University of Hawaii states that earth is going through its sixth mass extinction. There have been five mass extinctions so far. However, all of those were caused by natural phenomena.

A recent study led by the University of Hawaii states that earth is going through its sixth mass extinction. There have been five mass extinctions so far. However, all of those were caused by natural phenomena. This time, it is being caused entirely by humans. The process of extinction is not new to earth. It has been going on since the 16th century. The study further highlights that earth could have already lost about 7.5 and 13 per cent of its total species since then. "Incorporating estimates of the true number of invertebrate extinctions leads to the conclusion that the rate vastly exceeds the background rate and that we may indeed be witnessing the start of the sixth mass extinction," the study read. As a part of the study, the team of researchers analysed molluscs, which happens to be the second-largest phylum in numbers of known species. According to the IUCN Red List data, molluscs have suffered a higher rate of extinction than birds and mammals. Invertebrates, however, constitute about 95 per cent of known animal species. Therefore, it is important to include them in the biodiversity extinction estimate, researchers argue. The study also countered the views presented by some of the researchers. The head of the research, Robert Cowie, said that the Red list is biased as it leaves out most invertebrates. "Incorporating estimates of the true number of invertebrate extinctions leads to the conclusion that the rate vastly exceeds the background rate and that we may indeed be witnessing the start of the Sixth Mass Extinction,” the study read. The study further urged the scientists to unite and do everything to stop the extinction of species.

Earth is witnessing its sixth mass extinction, humans to be blamed: Study

Arctic's Reindeers are going to become a thing of the past as climate change is resulting in a rapid decline of their population.

Climate change is killing the Arctic's Reindeers

A language is not just collection of words or sounds. Each one represents a unique world and culture that shapes the world in its own way. It is a repository of centuries of human experience, thoughts, emotions and more.

And this is why when a language is lost, a door is closed on humankind.

A study published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution says that more than 1500 languages face the threat of becoming extinct by the end of this century. The study found that many factors put endangered languages at high risk.

There are estimated 6500 to 7000 languages currently spoken across the world. Researchers at Australian National University (ANI), who have carried out the study, say that more than half of the languages are under great threat.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-that-away-from-human-touch-tropical-forests-can-regenerate-in-20-years-435723">Study shows that away from human touch, tropical forests can regenerate in 20 years</a> 
 
Study's co-author Felicity Meakins has been quoted in media reports as saying that language loss could triple in 40 years. This would mean loss of a language per month.

The study says that there was urgent need to invest in community-level documentation and bilingual education.

In addition to factors such as migration, financial reasons, politics has had bearing on the suppression of languages. The researchers note that indigenous languages in Australia were pushed towards extinction due to brutal colonial policies. The colonisers often handed punishments to indigenous language speakers for simply using their language. Such policies made it tough for generations to teach languages to children.

A language is not just collection of words or sounds. Each one represents a unique world and culture that shapes the world in its own way. It is a repository of centuries of human experience, thoughts, emotions and more.

A language is not just collection of words or sounds. Each one represents a unique world and culture that shapes the world in its own way. It is a repository of centuries of human experience, thoughts, emotions and more. And this is why when a language is lost, a door is closed on humankind. A study published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution says that more than 1500 languages face the threat of becoming extinct by the end of this century. The study found that many factors put endangered languages at high risk. There are estimated 6500 to 7000 languages currently spoken across the world. Researchers at Australian National University (ANI), who have carried out the study, say that more than half of the languages are under great threat. Also Read | Study shows that away from human touch, tropical forests can regenerate in 20 years Study's co-author Felicity Meakins has been quoted in media reports as saying that language loss could triple in 40 years. This would mean loss of a language per month. The study says that there was urgent need to invest in community-level documentation and bilingual education. In addition to factors such as migration, financial reasons, politics has had bearing on the suppression of languages. The researchers note that indigenous languages in Australia were pushed towards extinction due to brutal colonial policies. The colonisers often handed punishments to indigenous language speakers for simply using their language. Such policies made it tough for generations to teach languages to children.

More than 1500 languages may be lost by end of century, says study

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