Ecosystem Calamity: Climate Change and Pollution Threaten Biodiversity and Wildlife, Part 2 of a Multi-part Series

Climate change is rapidly becoming one of the most dangerous threats to biodiversity and wildlife on our planet. By the end of 2023, the ocean temperature had risen to its highest level in recorded history. And this year has seen a record melt, leading to a catastrophic loss of chicks. Scientists reported that, out of the 66 penguin-people colonies across the continent, 19 failed to breed either partially or totally. The researchers concluded that unless we halt climate change, more than 90% of the penguin-folk will perish by the end of the century. “We found that the acidity of the waters in coastal Antarctica is likely to double by the end of the century.” Studies have shown phytoplankton, the base of the food chain that supports marine life in the area, grow slower or even die in waters that are too acidic. When they die, the food supply for penguins and whales dies off, too. In a recent study conducted in northern Manitoba, Canada, scientists issued a grave warning about the future of polar bear-people. In the western Hudson Bay area of Canada, where the study was conducted, the polar bear-people population has already declined by about 30% since1987. One lifeform that is especially sensitive to warmer temperatures is coral. Dr. Derek Manzello, coordinator of the NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch, says, “It’s looking like the entirety of the Southern Hemisphere is probably going to bleach this year.”

Our Most Gracious Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan), frequently reminds us that the fastest, most effective way to stop climate change is a worldwide shift to the vegan lifestyle. “(Animal-people) meat consumption has a huge destructive impact on biodiversity, which is essential for our Earth to function and thus must be preserved. No matter how small, each species has a role to help balance our ecosystem, scientifically proven. And yet, consumption of both fish(-people) and animal(-people) flesh continue and are wreaking havoc on biodiversity around the globe. […] The answer to all of this is quite clear. Stop the (animal-people) meat consumption. This is the way we need to go, and fast.”