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Environmental Issues

There are a host of environmental issues that should be taken very seriously for the future health of our planet and our species. One of the most pressing of these issues is the protection of the planet’s biodiversity. The extinction of an animal, plant or microorganism can have dramatic impacts on those it leaves behind.

Biodiversity is one of the most important environmental issues because of the impact it can have on our existence as a species. A high diversity of plant life contributes to a larger variety of crops for food (for us and other animals as well) and ensures a greater overall stability of life. Plants are also a valuable resource for creating new medicines to protect us from viruses and disease.

Animals and insects are also important aspects of biodiversity and other related environmental issues. A prime example of this the Apis mellifera, more commonly known as the honey bee, which has been rapidly disappearing due to a disease known as colony collapse disorder. While the cause of this disease is still being studied, it is believed to be linked to certain farming practices. This insect is responsible for pollinating nearly one-third of the crops we rely on for food, and if the bees disappear, so do these staple crops.

 

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