Why Biodiversity?

THE ISSUE

• Biodiversity is the variety of species and ecosystems on earth, along with the ecological functions they serve.

Genetic, species, and ecosystem biodiversity work together to act as the earth’s irreplaceable protectors providing humans protection and resources that the well-being of humans and the world economy depends on.

• Healthy biodiversity is critical for human survival.

Loss of biodiversity leads to the loss of “ecosystem services” that nature provides that are essential to the functioning of our society and economy. These services include:

• • providing materials such as food, fuels and fibres;

  • regulating climate, disease outbreaks, wastes and pollination;

  • supporting processes such as nutrient cycling and water purification; and,

  • providing opportunities for aesthetic, recreational and spiritual use.

• Biodiversity has been declining over the past 35 years due to climate change, pollution, invasive species, deforestation, habitat loss, monoculture, overexploitation and other human activities.

To date, southern Ontario alone has lost more than 70* percent of its wetland habitats, 98* percent of its grasslands, and 80* percent of its forests. Over 200* plants and animal species are now classified as at-risk of becoming extinct in Ontario. Ontario’s woodland caribou are expected to be locally extinct by 2094**, and all 8 Ontario’s turtle species are at risk of becoming locally extinct***.

• Ecosystem productivity is improved with greater biodiversity no matter how small, and each species holds an important role.

It isn't enough to count on governments to protect our land in secluded parks. Less than 11% of our land is protected, and the majority of Ontario's wilderness remains open for logging. The more we damage and destroy the ecosystems we rely on the more difficult restoration will be, but perhaps there is a solution under our very noses. In addition to advocating for pristine parcels of protected land in the northern reaches of Ontario, we must protect the rich biodiversity currently under our very feet.

249 of Canada's at risk species are found in Ontario, and the distribution of these species lines up almost perfectly with the heavily settled areas (DR. LAURA CORISTINE, FACETSJOURNAL.COM ; TRISH MCALASTER / THE GLOBE AND MAIL). This makes sense, as urban development threatens species in the area, and the federal and provincial governments have little say against the local governments. In order to save these species from being extinct forever, we must find whatever pockets of land we can in our own communities to protect and restore. While isolated pockets of wilderness amidst urban development are not ideal, they are the last hope for the populations living there.

Ever see a buzzing meadow as you drive on your way to work? These are the ecosystems that pollinators depend on-- the same pollinators that are in decline and that we rely on for food production. Ever watch a turtle cross the road? You've probably seen one of Ontario's 7 endangered, threatened or under special concern turtles. The Ark is here, and therefore it's your job to defend it with a passion. Let's bring on biodiversity, and let's do it here, and now.

• Biodiversity holds the key to fighting the climate crisis.

As climate change impacts biodiversity by driving species to extinction, increased biodiversity mitigates against climate change by sequestering carbon via photosynthesis, and providing a variety of genes to better withstand the environmental stresses that come with climate change. Furthermore, greater genetic diversity mitigates against the risk of mass extinction caused by climate change. We cannot ignore biodiversity in our quest for cleaner economies and carbon neutrality-- rather, it is essential to protect and restore the land that our province has provided us with.

• Not only are our actions destroying the biodiversity we depend on, we are also alienated from nature. How can we save biodiversity if the majority of us stay indoors and don't even know what we're saving?

That's where you come in. As humans who live on a piece of land in Ontario, we all have the power to form a passion for the earth we stand on. We can use this to come together as a community and work on the land together. Use this page for resources to spread the word about the native species in your area so that each citizen has personal connection to the unique biodiversity in your community that you are trying to protect, restore, and add more of. Then, maybe the governments will catch up and respond to your passion by taking action on their part.