Climate change Quote by Elizabeth Kolbert
““the center of the American Museum of Natural History’s Hall of Biodiversity, there’s an exhibit embedded in the floor. The exhibit is arranged around a central plaque that notes there have been five major extinction events since complex animals evolved, over five hundred million years ago. According to the plaque, “Global climate change and other causes, probably including collisions between earth and extraterrestrial objects,” were responsible for these events. It goes on to observe: “Right now we are in the midst of the Sixth Extinction, this time caused solely by humanity’s transformation of the ecological landscape.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert, 2014
Human activity is driving a rapid loss of species comparable to past mass extinctions caused by natural events.
In simple terms: Humans are causing a new mass extinction.
Key Takeaway
Reduce impact, protect habitats.
Themes
environment
extinction
human impact
conservation
Mood
concerned
urgent
reflective
Type
educational
call to action
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- community projects
- wildlife management
Key Concepts
biodiversity loss
anthropocene
ecological change
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions can individuals take to slow extinction?
- How can societies balance development with conservation?
A Different Perspective
Human actions can be mitigated, but change is slow and contested.
