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Extinction Rates Skyrocket: Humanity's Tiny Slice of Life
17 Oct
Summary
- 99% of Earth's species are extinct, with five mass extinctions documented.
- Current extinction rates are accelerating due to human activities.
- Author Griffin explores living with extinction and appreciating simple practices.
Author Neil Griffin, inspired by growing up in Drumheller, Alberta, explores the profound meaning of extinction in his latest work, "Endings: Encounters with Extinction." Griffin, a wildlife biologist and writing instructor, highlights that an estimated 99 percent of all species that have ever existed on Earth are now extinct, largely due to five major mass extinction events over millions of years.
He notes that humanity currently exists within a minuscule fraction of life's total existence. The World Wildlife Fund suggests approximately 10,000 species vanish annually, a rate significantly amplified by human actions. Griffin emphasizes the unprecedented speed of the current extinction event, which has unfolded over the last 40,000 years, particularly in the last two centuries.
While acknowledging the challenging nature of his subject, Griffin reveals that the process of writing the book brought him a deeper appreciation for everyday life. He found solace in learning about local flora and fauna and the practice of nurturing love through specific actions, offering a personal perspective on living amidst these significant environmental changes.
