Young Bulgarians have universities to attend to obtain and advance a career.

This is the main building to the "University of Forestry" (click here) in Sofia, Bulgaria. It's land is 33 percent forest, some commercail forests which produce harvested fruit crops. There is also a sustainable logging industry that provides nearly all the needs for wood in the country.

The building reminds me of Harvard's ivy covered buildings. But, the fact there are universities for young people shows the country dearly loves them. I have to wonder what the diversity is in the university in maintaining a high number of Bulgarians. The university is accredited with European organizations that monitor educational facilities.

To the right is the Balkan Peninsula.

Bulgaria is situated in the central part of the Balkan peninsula with a total area of 11073350 ha, of which over 33 percent is covered by forests. Most of the forests are situated on mountain slopes and non-arable lands. The highest mountain peak rises to 2925 m. The timber-line reaches 2200 m above sea-level.

Forests in Bulgaria are public property, with 97.3 percent belonging to the state and the rest being owned by agro-industrial complexes and forestry schools for temporary management and use. The concentration of forests is quite uneven, ranging from almost 70 percent of land in the most wooded district to only about 8 percent in the least wooded one.

The variety of species, which depends largely on the altitude, is great. Coniferous forests cover 33.1 percent of the total wooded land; deciduous forests, 66.9 percent. Oak forests cover the zone up to 1200 m altitude; beech forests rise up to 1600 m; and the coniferous zone stretches to the upper forest limits.

Only a few tree species are of economic significance. Important among the coniferous are the white pine (Pinus sylvestris), the black pine (Pinus nigra), the spruce (Picea excelsa), the fir tree (Abies alba) and the Balkan pine (Pinus peuce), while among the deciduous are the beech (Fagus sylvatica), the oak (Quercus spp.), the poplar (Populus spp.) and the ash-tree (Fraxinus spp.). About 86.4 percent of the total forested area is destined for wood-production cover; the remainder has protective or recreational functions....

According to the World Bank foreign investment reached it's maximum in 2010 with $1.843 billion. It has dropped off from then to $1.179 billion. It doesn't seem to correlate with population deterioration which has been occuring steadily since the 1990s.

Population: 7.128 million (2016) World Bank

Life expectancy: 74.47 years (2015) World Bank

Fertility rate: 1.53 births per woman (2015) World Bank

Unemployment rate: 6.2% (Aug 2017) Eurostat

GNI per capita (click here) : 19,020 PPP dollars (click here) (2016) World Bank

Population growth rate: -0.7% annual change (2016) World Bank

Official language: Bulgarian

This is a little over 8 years ago, so hopefully, things have improved. But, the climate in Bulgaria is important.

November 25, 2009

Bulgaria, (click here) Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece are the countries that would be worst affected by global warming, according to a European Union report.

The EC Joint Research Commission (JRC) report, released on Wednesday, takes into account four significantly sensitive factors: agriculture, river flooding, coastal systems and tourism.

The JRC analysis is based on applying the effects of the climate expected in the 2080s, and applying them to the current situation across Europe.

The most badly affected areas, according to this analysis, are Southern and Eastern Europe. Northern Europe would be the sole region to benefit, in economic terms and for the aspects studied in climate terms.

There will be a negative impact provoked by climate change in all four sectors. Drought will reduce agricultural production by 25%, while tourist revenues might drop to EUR 5 B annually. A temperature rise of 5,4ºC is predicted as likely in Eastern and Southern Europe.

Overall, the EU would face yearly GDP losses of between EUR 20 B and EUR 65 B, depending on the precise temperature increase.

The economic well-being, or welfare, of Europeans, historically rising at about 2% annually, would improve less. In Bulgaria, it would fall by 1,3%, and the country would be among those worst affected in the tourism sector....

Bulgaria is not crime central. When people are poor and left to their own devices, there will be more "opportunistic" crime such as theft, etc.

To the left is Sunny Beach (click here). If one checks out the ratings for this area, it surpasses many others. Supporting other heritage/cultural experiences in Bulgaria can't be that difficult with such interesting places as Sunny Beach attracting tourists with money to spend.

To page through the pictures and comments, this is a very comfortable resort area where families bring their children. Culture is the backbone to family tourism, especially with children of school age. Bulgaria needs to foster it's cultural heritage and add-on tourism to these folks. They don't even think about the incredible history of Bulgaria when they are visiting. Culture makes it an interesting vacation.

Crime (click here)

Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare. However, you should take care of yourself and your belongings in the same way as you would do in the UK. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities. Watch out for pickpockets in tourist areas and major public transport hubs, including airports. Be vigilant at all times, particularly late at night. Report all incidents of crime to the local police and make sure you get a crime report.

Tourists are targeted by thieves and pickpockets in Sunny Beach and other resorts. Don’t take valuables to the beach and be wary of poorly lit roads around the resort at night. There has been an increase in burglaries from hotel rooms in Sunny Beach. Make sure you lock your room (including windows and balcony doors) and keep your valuables locked in a safe. Don’t change money on the streets in Sunny Beach, only at licensed exchange points, banks or hotels.

Prostitution is not illegal in Bulgaria. However, we have received numerous reports of pickpocketing, muggings and assaults of British nationals by prostitutes and their minders. Avoid areas where prostitutes operate especially late at night, including car parks, the beach, badly lit areas and areas with bushes and trees. Stick to main routes and avoid alleys and short cuts in Sunny Beach....

The unique lands of Bulgaria have yet to be experienced by tourism.

7 September 2017

Bulgaria (click here) is projected to have the fastest-shrinking population in the world. It's already lost a fifth of its population since the 1990s. But what does this mean for those who remain?

Deep in the Bulgarian countryside, in the western province of Pernik, I make a rare discovery.

It's not Stoyan Evtimov's traditional embroidered woollen tunic that makes him unusual.

It's the fact he's a thirty-something living in a village. "All my friends that I grew up with here left long ago," he says.

Like many young Bulgarians, they moved to towns and cities in search of work.

Stoyan considers himself lucky to have employment in the mountain village of Peshtera, leading its folk-singing group and organising an annual music festival in an attempt to revive traditional marriage music, and the village.

Even so, he is finding village life unsustainable....

Stoyan Evtimov, the gentleman in the picture, did a magnificent thing. He loved his culture and harnessed music to grow his personal economy. That is important, what Mr. Evtimov lacks is a growing audience. 

...This exodus contributes to another factor in Bulgaria's dwindling population numbers - in part because a lot of young adults have left the country, the birth rate is low.

The last time a baby was born in the village, recalls shopkeeper Stefka - whose own two sons have moved away to the city - was a decade ago. The little girl and her mother now live in Cyprus, she adds.

The vast majority of the people Stefka serves are over the age of 60. The shelves are sparsely stocked, she says, because there aren't many customers, and she worries the shop will have to close.

Higher up the mountain, the village shops have already shut, along with schools and bus services....

Bulgaria needs investiment in tourism. It has incredible variations in climate and it's land are beautiful. It's people are beautiful in their love for their country, Mr. Evtimov is a fine example of it.

When populations drop in such a percipitous way, the national income will suffer. Then that suffers the tourism areas will deteriorate, or in the case of Bulgaria, won't be harnessed for sustainable development in the first place. This is a prime example of the RUT countries are in when producing an income and PURPOSE for their people. The leadership wants to see factories and all kinds of manufacturing when in fact the most attractive aspect of Bulgaria is it's unique climate and it's lands. Where are the commercial fisherman that want the experience of fishing in these rivers and streams? 

Bulgaria is home to about 170 species of vascular plants (click here) found nowhere else. These include the tulips Tulipa urumoffii (plantwatching) and Tulipa rhodopea (flickr), the Pirin Poppy Papaver degenii (Bulgarian Flora Online), a primrose Primula deorum(plantwatching), a stonecrop Sedum kostovii (Bulgarian Flora Online), Jasione bulgarica (Plants of Bulgaria), a buttercup Ranunculus stojanovii (Bulgarian Flora Online), Viola rhodopaea (plantwatching), Merendera rhodopaea (Bulgarian Flora Online), a cornflower Centaurea pseudoaxillaris (Bulgarian Flora Online), a sandwort Arenaria pirinica (flickr), Onosma malkarmayorum (FotoNet), a chamomile Anthemis argyrophylla (Bulgarian Flora Online), a mint Marrubium frivaldskyanum (Bulgarian Flora Online), Astracantha aitosensis (Bulgarian Flora Online), Medicago rhodopaea (Bulgarian Flora Online), Geum rhodopeum(Bulgarian Flora Online), a mullein Verbascum davidoffii (Natura Tours), Limonium bulgaricum (BAS), and a baby’s breath Gypsophila tekirae (Bulgarian Flora Online)....

Freshwater fish restricted to Bulgaria include the Rhodopean Spined Loach Cobitis rhodopensis (BHL), the Vit Sculpin Cottus haemusi (KMAE pdf file), and the Mandras Shemaya Alburnus mandrensis (Ittiofauna)....

To the left is the "Rhodopean Spined Loach." It seems similar to a cat fish. I am sure locals can atest to it's taste and sportsman appeal. Now call me crazy, but, aren't land snails used in escargot? There has to be at least one or two in these 57 different species that make good escargot. Yes?

...Among the 57 land snails known only from Bulgaria (Univ. Plovdiv pdf file) are Alinda vratzatica (conchology.be), Micridyla pinteri (AnimalBase), Helicigona pelia(AnimalBase), Laciniaria macilenta (AnimalBase), and Macedonica martae(AnimalBase). Endemic freshwater snails include Belgrandiella angelovi (ARKive),Bythinella hansboetersi (malaco.de pdf file), Radomaniola rhodopensis (ARKive),Grossuana angeltsekovi (p. 12 of malaco.de pdf file), and Devetakia pandurskii (p. 4 of malaco.de pdf file).

I think most Americans can read "Encyclopedia Britannica," right?

Bulgaria is a member of NATO. It is only about 3 percent mountains. They are beautiful though. The country's climate is divided  between continent forces and the Mediterranian.

I think Bulgaria has enjoyed such a long history as a sovereign country is because of it's trade routes. The economy was always very viable.

Bulgaria, (click here) officially Republic of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Republika Bŭlgariya, country occupying the eastern portion of the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe. Founded in the 7th century, Bulgaria is one of the oldest states on the European continent. It is intersected by historically important routes from northern and eastern Europe to the Mediterranean basin and from western and central Europe to the Middle East. Even before the creation of the Bulgarian state, the empires of ancient Rome, Greece, and Byzantium were strong presences, and people and goods traveled the land with frequency....

...Nearly rectangular in outline, Bulgaria is bounded by Romania to the north, with most of the border marked by the lower Danube River. The Black Sea lies to the east, Turkey and Greece to the south, Macedonia to the southwest, and Serbia to the west. The capital city, Sofia, lies in a mountainous basin in the west....           

Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the country. Most states have fairly healthy conservation movements and tourism.

February 2, 2018
By Rick Holmes

Gauthier, Miss. — This used to be the heart of a great American savanna. (click here) Now it’s about all that’s left....

...For centuries the savannas (click here) went largely undisturbed, even after Europeans settled the Gulf Coast, in part because people couldn’t figure out how to squeeze profits out of it. But after World War II, timber companies figured out a way. They bought up the savannas and got government to buy it as state and national forests for their use. They cut ditches to drain the swamps and turned them into pine plantations: acres and acres of scratch pine trees, planted in neat rows. The ones I saw barely grow big enough for a two-by-four before they are harvested and chipped up for composite products.

People also started putting out the wildfires that sustain the savanna habitat. And with the advent of air conditioning, the population grew, turning savannas into parking lots and subdivisions in the process.

By the mid-1970s, the wet savanna habitat had shrunk to less than 5 percent of its previous size and the Mississippi sandhill crane was on the brink of extinction. Naturalists counted 30 to 35 still in the wild, with just five breeding pairs. The Interstate Highway System threatened to finish the job, with I-10 slated to slice through the middle of what was left of the cranes’ domain....

Ecotourism is about the "OOohhs and Ahhhs" when bird watchers and tourists come to view the incredible vistas of wildlife. When species become so endangered they have to be protected from any and all tourists, that doesn't really bring in big tourist dollars.

Please note: (click here) Most of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is off limit to the public due to the endangerment status of the birds and the wet pine savanna environment. However, there are a number of wildlife-oriented recreational activities to do including hiking, photography, education, and the visitor center. No Camping or picnicking allowed on the refuge.

I am skeptical about the protections, for the cranes (click here) especially because wild hogs are a problem in the south as are the hunters that have no clue about the wildlife so much as their dogs and pigs they hunt. The population isn't increasing by much and there have to be reasons.

From the "World Bank" (click here)

GDP per capita: 2016 - $7,580 US

Now, it isn't really fair to have a country with a GDP $7,580 carry the same burden as a major first world country, yet, the morality of the Bulgarians were exactly that. They signed and ratified Kyoto Protocol and never withdrew as the George W. Bush administration did in 2002.

Most folks don't read "Nature." They rather read "Esquire" and "Cosmo." Or they'd try to "Keep Up with the Kardashians."

I have been reading "Nature" for a long time. It is a journal that brings significant articles from every scientific discipline to peers like myself.

Nature, Vol. 416
28 March 2002

The Earth's climate (click here) has warmed by approximately 0.6 8C over the past 100 years with two main periods of warming, between 1910 and 1945 and from 1976 onwards. The rate of warming during the latter period has been approximately double that of the ®rst and, thus, greater than at any other time during the last 1,000 years1 . Organisms, populations and ecological communities do not, however, respond to approximated global averages. Rather, regional changes, which are highly spatially heterogeneous (Fig. 1), are more relevant in the context of ecological response to climatic change. In many regions there is an asymmetry in the warming that undoubtedly will contribute to heterogeneity in ecological dynamics across systems. Diurnal temperature ranges have decreased because minimum temperatures are increasing at about twice the rate of maximum temperatures. As a consequence, the freeze-free periods in most mid- and high-latitude regions are lengthening and satellite data reveal a 10% decrease in snow cover and ice extent since the late 1960s. Changes in the precipitation regime have also been neither spatially nor temporally uniform (Fig. 1). In the mid- and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere a decadal increase of 0.5±1% mostly occurs in autumn and winter whereas, in the sub-tropics, precipitation generally decreases by about 0.3% per decade.... 

...Air temperature changes until now (click here)

Generally, there is no significant overall trend of mean annual air temperature in Bulgaria for the 20th century (6). Warming is observed, however, from the middle of 1980s. In fact, since 1997 all annual temperature anomalies are positive. 2007 was the warmest year recorded during the period of measurements in Bulgaria: temperature was 1.6⁰C above the average over the period 1961-1990. The years 1994, 2000, 2002 and 2009 were among the warmest years on record in Bulgaria (2).

In the eastern Mediterranean, the intensity, length and number of heat waves have increased by a factor of six to eight since the 1960s (9).

Precipitation changes until now

Annual precipitation varied considerably from year to year in the 20th century (6). Climate in Bulgaria became drier at the end of the 20th century. During the last decade however, precipitation totals have increased. Heavy rains caused severe floods damaging various socioeconomic sectors (2)....   

It's Sunday Night

“I found it liberating to use my body to make an important statement. People tend to look away from anti-fur ads showing mangled animals, but they’re drawn to PETA’s ‘naked’ campaign, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
—Gillian Anderson

For those in the USA that are confused about nudity and a woman's right to be free of violence. There are eons of difference between beauty, the right to nudity, the right to a couple's intimacy and sexual assault.

Being sexy and what it looks like is never going away.

To the right:
 Bulgarian (click here) model Rali Ivanova is the Bulgarian representative in the Sexiest Woman Alive 2010 list by US men's magazine Esquire.

"Rumored to be inspiration for the word "bodacious," the magazine's definition of Ivanova said.

The Bulgarian is not very popular in her homeland because she has been living and working as a model in the United States for years....

Unfortuantely, Ms. Ivanova had a drinking problem, but, it wasn't in the USA.

February 19, 2015

By Geoff Fox

Land O' Lakes  — A professional model (click here) living in St. Petersburg was arrested early Wednesday and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said.

Billed as “the sexiest Bulgarian alive” by Esquire.com, Ralitsa “Rali” Ivanova, 29, told the sheriff’s deputy who pulled her over in north Land O’ Lakes that she thought she was driving in Tampa, a sheriff’s report said.

A curvaceous blonde swimsuit model who has credited her money-making looks on Bulgarian, Italian and Russian ancestry, Ivanova told the deputy she was trying to drive home to St. Petersburg from Tampa and lost her way because she was texting while driving, the sheriff’s report said.

Ivanova showed the deputy her phone, which included texts from someone advising her not to perform field sobriety tests or take a breath test, the report said.

The deputy wrote that Ivanova’s breath smelled strongly of alcohol and that she had difficulty maintaining her balance when she got out of her vehicle, a black BMW....

Translation isn't always exact because the person reading the translation my or my not have the exact reference points of the composer.

Bulgarian national anthem in Bulgarian and English and the national flag of Bulgaria.

BULGARIAN LYRICS (Latin script)

ENGLISH TRANSLATION,

Gorda Stara Planina,

Proudly rise the Balkan peaks

Do nei Dunava sinei,

At their feet Blue Danube flows;

Slantse Tkrakiya ogriava,

Over Thrace the sun is shining,

Nad Pirina plamenei

Pirin looms in purple glow.

CHORUS:

CHORUS:

Milo Rodino,

Oh, dear native land,

Ti si zemen rai,

Earthly paradise!

Tvoita hubost, tvoota prelest,

For your loveliness, your beauty

Ah te niamat krai.

E'er will charm our eyes.

Padnaha boitsi bezchet,

Uncounted fighter died

Za naroda nash liubim

for the beloved our people

Maiko, dai mi muzhka sila,

Mother, give me man's power

Patia im da prodalzhim    

 Their path to continue.        

Women are not going to be silenced anymore, especially, by abusive men like Trump.

While Donald Trump's issues with sexual assault are hidden beneath "Non-Disclosure Agreements," it doesn't mean no one knows they exist. And to think he has the audacity to help cover up domestic violence in his White House staff and allow for breaches in national security only reveals his own agenda for the office of president.

February 10, 2018
By Mark Landler 

Washington — President Trump thrust himself (click here) into the national debate over sexual misconduct on Saturday, asserting that “a mere allegation” could destroy the lives of those accused, as his own White House was engulfed by charges of abusive behavior.

Mr. Trump, in an early morning Twitter post, appeared to be defending two of his aides who resigned this past week after facing claims of domestic violence.

“Peoples lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation,” he wrote. “Some are true and some are false. Some are old and some are new. There is no recovery for someone falsely accused — life and career are gone. Is there no such thing any longer as Due Process?”

The statement echoed Mr. Trump’s dismissive response to allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse made over decades against male friends, colleagues and, above all, himself....              

State by State fees for licensed and registered professions.

The place where secret taxes are lodged is in the "fee schedule" be it local, state or federal. As the deductions for state and local taxes disappear there will be other opportunities to pay higher fees and it will add to deductions in a different way.

As states look to help their citizens in every way possible and fee schedules may change as they will be deducted as a business or professional expense, I caution the states or local governments to also provide a "Free Fee" service to lower income folks as they enter the professions or trades. The government should always be looking for ways Americans can enter the Middle Class of the USA. The "Free Fee" qualification should be standard in every fee schedule to provide that extra leg up to those taking an initiative to earn more money.

I think the states need to be innovative and provide tax relief for those that would normally have a local and state deduction on their federal taxes.

In general, licenses are needed for the following: (click here)

Commercial contracting

Residential contracting

Plumbing

Electrical

HVAC

Gas

Asbestos/hazardous waste remediation

Department of Transportation (road work)

Licensed vs. Registered

Some states require licensing while others require registration. The difference between the two is this:

Licensing involves passing exams and meeting certain criteria to prove reasonable competency in a trade.

Registration is a written record of who is performing the work. It doesn’t guarantee expertise or competency.
                 

Other than Romeo needing a make over...

...first cloning to provide a mate. Frogs are remarkably adaptable, but, once the cloning has gone well, try another clone only introduce a female gene. It is Romeo's only chance for love and genetic engineering is the way to go. A gentle scraping of his skin should commence as soon as possible. The effort needs to be connected to a lab with marine experience, such as FIT or better yet, UNCW. 

Romeo needs a "Go Fund Me" site, too. Good luck.

February 10, 2018

By Zoe Schlanger

There’s a chance a frog (click here) who lives in a tank in a Bolivian museum is the last of his species. But he reportedly hasn’t given up hope, if one can ascribe hope to a frog. The male Sehuencas water frog continues to make mating calls from within his confinement at Bolivia’s Cochabamba Natural History Museum.

Conservation biologists haven’t given up hope either. They tend to hate watching species they study go extinct. So a group of local scientists have named him Romeo and created a dating profile for the frog on website Match.com, in hopes of endearing him and his plight to the masses.

“Not to start this off super heavy or anything, but I’m literally the last of my species,” the profile reads.

Match.com is matching donations to fund the effort to scour habitats for Romeo’s mate through Valentine’s day, February 14, 2018....

Perhaps if Mr. Batory took his desk at the Federal Railroad Administration, he could provide insight to the recent accidents with our railroads..

He seems eminently qualified. He also seems like a nice man. Given the issues facing the country in our country's capital, a nice man could actually take precedence over one that isn't. He probably doesn't need an extensive FBI assessment.

July 11, 2017

Written by  William C. Vantuono

The White House on July 11 (click here) announced that President Donald Trump has nominated Ronald L. Batory, who recently retired as President and Chief Operating Officer of Conrail, as the next Federal Railroad Administrator.

Batory retired March 31 as President and COO of Conrail, following a 46-year rail operating career that included the presidency of the Belt Railway of Chicago and senior positions at Class I and regional railroads, including general manager in Chicago for Southern Pacific. He earned a bachelor’s in business from Adrian College and a master of arts from Eastern Michigan University....

Addictions of any kind effect quality of life, money addition is no different.

When most people think of money addiction, (click here) an image of a gambling addict may come to mind, or someone who loves to flash their new designer outfit or their fancy car du jour.

It’s easy to spot these obvious manifestations. But the real trick is noticing the hidden signs—the ones that your friends, family, and maybe even you express.

The truth is, money addiction is at the root of under earning, overworking, compulsive shopping and spending, and even excessive saving....

Hidden Sign #1: Living in Denial

Hidden Sign #2: Money Secrecy & Shame

Hidden Sign #3: Money Obsession

Hidden Sign #4: Lack of Money Control

Hidden Sign #5: Inability to Change Money Behavior Despite Negative Consequences

In the case of the Trump White House, realizing denial is the first step.

February 8, 2018

By Jennifer Hansfer

Washington - Environmental Protection Agency (click here) Administrator Scott Pruitt suggested Tuesday that climate change could benefit humans, despite scientific evidence to the contrary.

In an interview with KSNV in Las Vegas, Pruitt conceded that climate change is a reality and humans have contribued to it "to a certain degree." However, the EPA administrator cast doubt on its negative long-term implications.

"Is it an existential threat? Is it something that is unsustainable, or what kind of effect or harm is this going to have  I mean we know that humans have most flouished during times of what? Warming trends," Pruitt said. "I think there's assumptions made that because the climate is warming, that that necessarily is a bad thing. Do we really know what the ideal surface temperature should be in the year 2100? In the year 2018: I mean it's fairly arrogant for us to thing that we know exactly what it should be in 2100."....

Does Pruitt know or care about what human body temperature is and what it can tolerate? The guy is stupid. His addiction to oily money is overwhelming any other thought. He has no empathy at all for future generations and can only see the immediate future of his bankrolls.

This is not leadership, this is evil. Recognize it. This is evil. There is absolutely no morality within this administration and they seized power for the purpose of greed. 

THIS IS EVIL!  Scott Pruitt is evil!  Why is the world turning away from the USA? Because it has placed in power some of the most evil people currently alive!

We are actually further along than the dawn of the sixth extinction. There is no old ice in the Arctic Ocean and hasn't been for years now and the new ice is becoming so thin it doesn't matter anymore.

February 6, 2018
By Ben Newman

...We are in the dawn of the 6th mass extinction, (click here) and this time– we are the asteroid.

The background extinction rate means that even when life is going relatively well, without any large fluxes in atmospheric or geologic cycles, there’s a normal rate of extinction. Among groups such as mammals, for instance, we’d expect to see one species go extinct every 200 years, or amongst a more ancient phyla –such as amphibians– we’d expect to see one go extinct every thousand years. Studies of current extinction rates say we’re roughly one thousand times past that in mammals, and in some groups, like amphibians, they are disappearing roughly thirty thousand to forty-five thousand times faster than their normal background extinction rate.

But how do we know we’re to blame? Well, around 13,000 years ago, as Earth thawed from its most recent big freeze, almost every species of megafauna: the wooly mammoth, smilodon and megatherium disappeared from the Earth, thanks to a changing climate and the mass expansion of humans, who had relatively recently invented hunting tools. Along the way, through hunting and farming, humans have been altering ecosystems in small but significant ways.

Furthermore, according to a 2014 paper by Stuart Pimm in “Science,” the main cause of the commencing extinction is human population growth and increased consumption. But these two things lead to a whole host of other problems: the most obvious of these are climate change and habitat destruction. Scientists have found that most land species have relatively very small ranges — such as the Iriomote cat, for instance — and thus, can’t move with ease and find “greener pastures” when we cut down their forest or turn it into a desert....