BIODIVERSITY SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOM

There are two environmental crises right now: climate change and biodiversity loss. But the biodiversity crisis is largely undervalued. Today, most of our attention is focused on climate change.

Biodiversity loss is a rampant and pervasive issue: global wildlife populations have plummeted by 69% in the past 50 years and species are dying off as much as 1,000 times more frequently than before the era of human domination. (E-International Relations) With thousands of species facing Earth’s 6th major mass extinction, there is little doubt that the planet’s biodiversity is in rapid decline.

Such losses can have grave implications for people – they can impair the ability of ecosystems to: provide water and food; control pests and diseases; mediate droughts and floods; regulate the climate; and much more.

Both these crises are interrelated and must be addressed together. It’s time we talk about biodiversity, and it begins through education. (UN Biodiversity)

Raising awareness on biodiversity loss is crucial. Equally important is Inspiring young people to play a role in rebuilding biodiversity. However, according to Unesco, only 1/5 of school curricula mentions biodiversity.