Globalization & Climate Change

Since 1970, as our populations explodes (doubling in just 40 years) and growth-oriented economic ideals bring industrialized production, agriculture and resource extraction to most parts of the globe, the extinction rate has quickened to over 1000 times the pre-human rate, close to that of the Fifth Extinction which wiped out the dinosaurs.

As a consequence, habitats are rapidly being destroyed and polluted with over 50% of tropical rainforests and their rich biodiversity decimated.  Moreover, we are now feeling the cumulative affect of 200 years of burning fossil fuels as glacial and polar ice begin to melt and the planet’s climate quickly shifts.

Yet, this period has also brought with it the rise of the environmental movement and widespread consciousness of the impact we are having on the environment and climate.

We are critical period of fear and hope for the planet’s future. We are now more conscious of the impact we have on the environment than ever before, and at the same time, our impact increases with our growing population and demand for more resources.

Image	Species	Date Extinct	Geographic Region	Cause of Extinction
	Baiji	2002 AD	Yangtze River	Overhunting & Habitat Destruction
	Pyrenean Ibex	2000 AD	Pyrenees	Overhunting
	Tecopa Pupfish	1981 AD	California	Habitat Destruction
	Golden Toad	1989 AD	Costa Rica	Climate Change
	Javan Tiger	1980 AD	Java	Overhunting & Habit Destruction
	Saint Helena Olive	2003 AD	Saint Helena	Habitat Destruction