Wild with Sarah Wilson COREY BRADSHAW: Are humans going extinct? (And how soon?)
Sep 10, 2024
Corey Bradshaw, a global ecologist and author, reveals that humanity is on the brink of a mass extinction event. He discusses the paradox of overpopulation versus declining birth rates and their implications for resources and wildlife. With Australia facing the highest mammal extinction rate, he highlights the impact of non-native predators and the urgent need for responsible family planning. Bradshaw emphasizes the importance of honest conversations about climate change, resilience, and fostering a hopeful community for future generations.
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We're in a Mass Extinction
- We are currently experiencing a mass extinction event with species loss rates comparable to past mass extinctions.
- This extinction event is likely the most catastrophic in Earth's history, unfolding over centuries rather than millions of years.
Heating Drives Extinction Cascades
- Rapid temperature increases combined with human impacts create a one-two punch that drives extinctions.
- Coextinctions multiply species loss, making warming a catastrophic accelerator of biodiversity collapse.
Population Declines Exacerbate Extinction
- Since 1970, vertebrate populations have declined by about 70%, pushing them into vulnerable, small-isolated groups.
- Genetic erosion and inbreeding further reduce species' resilience and ability to adapt.