Dear Editor:

When ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel read a UN scientific report about the threat of one million animal and plant species on our planet, he remembered homo sapiens are a species, which means he was also at risk because he and everyone of us are Homo sapiens, a scientific name of humans.

Sadly it turns out a large number of people, old and young, when asked the question what if Homo sapiens go extinct, many were unaware of what Homo sapiens were. If you don’t know it is you, then alert systems and concerns will not be in your reply. In fact one reply had been “I don’t know who they are and I don’t care.” — a contrary statement to love everyone as I have loved you.

Not caring about the loss of one million plant and animal species can put your life at a greater risk, as well as the lives of your family.

Global biodiversity is declining “more rapidly than ever,” according to the UN scientific report by a team of 150 international experts. Of the estimated eight million species, one million are at risk of extinction within decades. In fact the report says diversity within species, between species and ecosystems – is declining faster than at any time in human history. The summary was approved at a meeting of scientists and representatives of 130 governments.

Should governments worry? Only if they are bothered with the eroding of the very foundations of their economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide. Fortunately there was the statement “It’s not too late.” That could be construed as there is still hope.

Even with hope, to stop the decline we will need to be part of 100 developing and non-developed countries working to change the negative picture of extinction within decades. Caring about preserving life, now that we understand more about links between climate change, biodiversity, food security, and water security, hope grows stronger.

In January this year, wild reindeer were declared extinct in the lower 48 states. Let’s stop the collapsing of nature, beginning today.

Jarryl Larson

Edgecomb