To begin with, this is Elizabeth Kolbert, a prestigious scientific writer, who in her book The

Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, reveals that human activity, in general, threatens life
forms of all types, estimating that a third of corals and fish, a quarter of mammals, a fifth of
reptiles and a third of birds are heading towards their disappearance. But, why the name Sixth
Extinction?

The planet has gone through five mass extinctions, the last one wiping out the dinosaurs 65.5
million years ago. These events occurred due to natural phenomena, however, the current
situation on the planet is accelerating the loss of our biodiversity. A study by the University of
Connecticut, in the journal Science, indicates that climate change could cause the disappearance
of 8% of current species.

Then, according to the World Wildlife Fund, currently, 40% of the land has been converted to
agriculture, this activity is responsible for 90% of global deforestation and represents 70% of the
planet's freshwater use, affecting the species that live in those places by altering their habitats.
Unlike the previous five, the sixth extinction is being caused by the overgrowth of a single
species: Homo Sapiens.

Next, according to Paul Elrich, professor at Stanford University, the incorrect use of land, water
and energy; and climate change are causing rapid mutilation of the tree of life. In a study with his
colleagues, they revealed that the current rate of extinction of vertebrate genera is 35 times
greater than the fifth extinction. In just 500 years, human actions have caused a wave of
extinctions that would normally take 18,000 years.

Elrich explained that a single species interacts with other species, producing benefits for people
and nature. But when a species becomes extinct, a large void is created, and by not maintaining
its function, other species are affected, damaging the way the ecosystem functions and the
benefits it provides. In addition, it increases the extinction power of other species.

To finish, scientists agree that, just as we have accelerated the rate of extinction, we can take
measures to stop it, such as reducing carbon emissions, participating in conservation projects and
better care for our environment. All creatures play an important role in maintaining the planet,
and it is our responsibility to ensure their well-being.