Biodiversity (click here) is considered one of the key challenges of the 21st century together with climate change. As an example, 90% of the large ocean predators have been removed by fishing in the last 50 years, and a scientific study has predicted that current fisheries will have collapsed by 2048. The removal of keystone predators alters the structure of the entire ecosystem.
The warming of the climate system is partly linked to biodiversity. Climate change is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level. The Earth's average surface temperature has risen by 0.76° C since 1850. Most of the warming that has occurred over the last 50 years is very likely to have been caused by human activities.
Projected global warming this century is likely to trigger serious consequences for mankind and other life forms, including a rise in sea levels of between 18 and 59 cm which will endanger coastal areas and small islands, and a greater frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Philanthropists can play an important role in using funding with a collaborative approach with key individuals and institutions working to improve our ecological footprint.
