This Science News Wire page contains a press release issued by an organization and is provided to you "as is" with little or no review from Science X staff.

New book explores the causes and consequences of our biodiversity crisis

May 6th, 2021 by Mr Alan Williams
New book explores the causes and consequences of our biodiversity crisis
"Biodiversity: A Beginner’s Guide," by Professor John Spicer, highlights how COVID-19 has shown us that the transformative change is possible. Credit: University of Plymouth

A University of Plymouth academic has published a new book highlighting the grave challenges facing global biodiversity and the actions which need to be taken to preserve it.

Writing in "Biodiversity: A Beginner's Guide," Professor of Marine Zoology John Spicer describes biodiversity as "the variety of life—in all its manifestations."

However, he says all of that life is under considerable threat from factors ranging from population explosions and habitat destruction, to climate change and mass extinctions.

On a more positive note, he also says that the last year of responding to COVID-19 has shown us that the transformative change is possible.

He also believes that the public appetite for global climate action, which had grown considerably before the COVID-19 pandemic, has the potential to be the catalyst for global change required to avert a prolonged biodiversity crisis.

Published by Oneworld, "Biodiversity: A Beginner's Guide" is a revised and updated edition of a book written by Professor Spicer and released in 2006.

One of the few introductory books on the subject aimed at the general reader, it now includes a new section on the Anthropocene and its impact, and is thoroughly updated with research carried out in the 15 years since the original was published.

Professor Spicer says the question is not 'can we change' but 'do we believe we can' and 'do we really want to." He also feels now is the time to act in a year which sees the G7 and COP26 climate change meetings taking place here in the UK, and the launch of the UN Decade of the Oceans. He said:

"More and more, it is becoming clear that no matter who you are, biodiversity matters. Literally your life depends on it. And that's why it's worth knowing about. We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis. We cannot avert that crisis. But we can do something.

Professor Spicer is a world-renowned expert on the effects of climate change on marine organisms, having been working in the field for more than 30 years

Much of that time has been spent at the University of Plymouth, which was recently named the best university globally for its marine research and teaching in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021.

His work has included high-profile studies showing that the decline in ocean pH, and oxygen in particular, pose new threats to marine life, but has recently shown—with research published last year repeating a century-old study—that there are glimmers of hope for some species that may be able to evolve and adapt to rapid climate change.

Provided by University of Plymouth

Citation: New book explores the causes and consequences of our biodiversity crisis (2021, May 6) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://sciencex.com/wire-news/381753520/new-book-explores-the-causes-and-consequences-of-our-biodiversit.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.