Are we in the 6th major mass extinction in earth's history at this moment?

Question

Let's face it:

At the rate that we're going, we are likely to lose about 50% of all species on earth are going to die by the end of the 21st century.

This figure will only increase as the earth warms up.

Is this a mass extinction that we humans have brought about on this earth?

Undoubtebly, events like the formation of the isthmus of panama about 3 million years ago, and the ice ages have had their effects, but we humans are now the dominant force in this.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

I'm not sure 6th is the right number, but we are apparently in the midst of a mass extinction right now comparable to when the dinosaurs were wiped out due to an asteroid impact. Someone on this forum said current human overpopulation and activity is equal to a similar asteroid and I think that is probably right.

Humans have not only overpopulated and spread out all over the world and destroyed habitat for other species, but our use of fossil fuels is causing global warming and thus the demise of more species.

If humans were as intelligent as many presume we are, surely we would be smart enough to control our own population. If there were 500 million people on earth instead of 6.5 billion and rising, there would be plenty of room for all of us and for the other species we are killing off.

Answer 2

There are a minimum of two pernicious aspects at interaction related to mass extinction: the 1st is human over-fishing interior the worlds oceans the place many species have been decreased with as much as ninety% in some a protracted time. the 2d is the extra advantageous acidity interior the international's oceans that originates from the transforming into CO2 tiers interior the ambience. regrettably the acidification is going on way too quickly for species to be waiting to evolve to the adjustments.

Answer 3

Yes, but earth's biota will bounce back after we're gone. It's too bad we won't be there to see all the cool species that will evolve to fill the niche's we're helping to create through habitat loss and such.

Also note: population control is not the answer because it will just turn into another example of the rich exploiting the poor. Better just to let ourselves die out then become a totalitarian globe. :)

Answer 4

well i think yes because if all species are dying in 50% maybe we will also be dying but in a less percentage because there can be studies that prevents our extintion to help us live in other planets.