Scientists warn of threat of biological disaster caused by excessive human activity

Scientists warn that humans face the danger of a sixth mass extinction with the potential to radically change life on Earth. Throughout the planet's geological history, five mass extinctions have occurred, but this one would be caused by excessive activity and misbehavior of the human species.

Compared to previous extinctions caused by asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions, this sixth extinction is the result of human-induced habitat destruction and climate crisis. A recent study suggests that extinction rates of related animal species are 35% higher than the normal expected rate, CNN reports.

Researchers argue that humans are not immune to the risk of not surviving this extinction. Gerardo Ceballos, co-author of the study, warned that this sixth extinction could turn the biosphere into an environment where human survival would be difficult or impossible unless decisive action is taken.

"We need to learn from the past because this is our only data set," says Professor Michael Benton. The researchers point out that biodiversity loss not only affects the long-term quality of life, but can also lead to the destruction of human success as a species. The destructive effects of human actions could affect genetic diversity, evolutionary history and essential ecosystem services. The warning is clear: immediate action is needed to prevent the devastating consequences of this sixth mass extinction.