Loss of biodiversity and its correlation to society

Biodiversity is an important component for the progression of ecosystem services and is, therefore, an important part of the well-being of society and all humanity. The existence of life is earth’s unique feature, and this also implies that the diversity of life on earth is one of the most extraordinary features. There are about 9 million types of animals, plants, fungi, and protists that inhabit the earth. The same earth is inhabited by about 9 billion people thus adding to the diversity on this planet (Cardinale et al. 59). The biodiversity existing on this planet also means that there is a mutual and beneficial interaction between the diverse species on earth, with much of this benefits being conferred to human beings. Despite the beauty and advantages that lie in this biodiversity, evidence has shown that human actions are having a negative impact on the ecosystems and thus leading to a loss of biodiversity. On the other hand, the loss of biodiversity has a negative impact on society as human beings are incapable of deriving the goods that biodiversity has to offer.

In studies conducted over the years, there has been the contention that loss of biodiversity places an equally significant impact as other stressors such as climate change (Managi 292). With climate change having a significant impact not only on the ecosystems but also the advantages that society can derive from it, the loss of biodiversity has a similar impact on society. Essentially, the loss of biodiversity has significant impacts on the ability of society to have food security, energy security, availability of clean water, as well as aspects such as freedom of choice and action. The fact that the loss of biodiversity affects the ecosystems negatively means that production of food and energy is constrained by the pressure that has been placed on the natural resources. The lands can no longer be as productive as they initially were and neither can the rivers be capable of sustaining the existing need for water. With such effects, there is a generally negative outcome on the quality of life and the ability of society to be sustainable. On the other hand, social relations will be strained due to the competition for resources.

The loss of diversity correlates with Huxley’s novel, A Brave New World, as the society depicted in the novel is similar to what may happen with the continued loss of biodiversity. In Huxley’s world, there is a general dehumanization in a society that lacks familial and spiritual connections and is much obsessed with the misuse of technology and an obsession with physical pleasure. One important aspect is that the misuse of technology leads to a continued loss of biodiversity since humanity no longer cares about the environment and the ecosystems. In the world portrayed in the book, society has gone to the extent where children are raised in test tubes rather than a woman’s womb (Huxley 6). Such depicts a future where the loss of biodiversity will have also affected the ability of humans to reproduce naturally. As such, this loss has a general negative impact on the quality of life and progression in society.