Saturday, October 25, 2025
More

    Top 6 This Week

    popular+

    Diversity is essential to all life

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    By David Suzuki

    In some circles, “diversity” is a dirty word. In reality, diversity is life. From individuals to ecosystems to Earth as a whole, diversity builds strength and resilience. Interrelated systems most adapted to changing conditions endure, and in species, traits most likely to ensure survival are passed down.

    Diversity can strengthen an ecosystem, plant, animal or other life’s chances of thriving in the face of a range of threats. If a forest has a variety of life and tree types, it can survive impacts from disease, insects or weather targeted at one or a limited number of tree species.

    Diversity among people is also critical. Beyond genetic diversity, which is essential for survival, a range of backgrounds, ideas, cultures and ways of seeing strengthens and enriches society, and offers various perspectives. This leads to far better solutions or programs than those dictated by individuals or small groups.

    In the four billion years since life appeared on Earth, changes have been immense: the sun is 30 per cent warmer, tectonic plates have moved, collided and pulled apart, the ocean has filled and emptied, the atmosphere has changed from no oxygen to oxygen-rich (after plants evolved), mountains have thrust up and worn down, magnetic poles have reversed and re-reversed, hot climatic times have alternated with frigid periods. All the while, life has persisted with tenacity and flourished — although 99.99 per cent of species that have existed are now extinct.

    Fossils reveal five mass extinctions when 70 to 95 per cent of species suddenly (in geological terms) disappeared. After each event, life recovered in abundance and diversity, but it took millions of years.

    The most recent mass extinction occurred 65 million years ago when dinosaurs were wiped out, enabling small mammals — our ancestors — to become dominant. Dinosaurs may have vanished abruptly, but they flourished for 150 million years. Our species of human has been around for only 200,000.

    The dinosaurs were powerless when a 12-kilometre-long asteroid travelling at 43,000 kilometres per hour smashed into Earth, sending a column of molten sand and dust so high some escaped gravity. The planet was plunged into a cold period that wiped out animals and plants.

    Now, in the Anthropocene Epoch, humans have become the dominant geo-transforming force, with an impact far greater than that asteroid. We’ve induced and accelerated a sixth mass extinction that’s already eradicated millions of species and threatens another two million. A recent comprehensive study in Nature found that genetic diversity in animals, plants, fungi and chromists (a type of organism) has been declining globally, mainly because of human activities.

    Much of the problem stems from the dominant but outdated colonialist mindset that views Earth and its “resources” as something for the taking, without respect for the integrity of natural systems on which our health and lives depend. Through living in place for millennia, Indigenous Peoples worldwide have learned how the ecosystems of which they are a part function. They know when to hold back, for instance, when fish stocks appear too low. The Western colonialist perspective prioritizes conquering, stripping resources, taking the money and moving on.

    This is why diversity of cultures, people and ways of knowing is so critical. We can’t solve problems as dire as climate change and biodiversity loss with the same kind of thinking that got us into ecological crises. We need new perspectives, a nature- and human rights-centred approach to everything from trade to development to agriculture.

    Diversity has strengthened countries, including Canada and the United States. As people from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds participate more in civic and political processes, a range of ideas emerges and more attention is paid to the rights and needs of those outside the dominant political class.

    But fear threatens to stall or reverse progress. Many people are afraid of change, new ideas, people who are different from them. Billionaires and oligarchs take advantage of that to amass more wealth and power.

    We can’t let fear win. As the dominant and most demanding omnivore ever on Earth, it defies logic to think mass biodiversity loss exacerbated by climate change doesn’t threaten us as a species. Maintaining diversity must be seen as a principle of survival built into all levels of life.

    David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.

    Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.

    REFERENCES:

    Diversity is a dirty word:

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/11/dei-trump-republicans-racism

    Recent comprehensive study in Nature found:

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/30/study-of-more-than-600-animal-and-plant-species-finds-genetic-diversity-has-declined-globally

    Trade:

    https://davidsuzuki.org/story/re-imagining-trade-for-people-and-the-planet

    Sharing is SO MUCH APPRECIATED!

    Popular Articles

    GEORGIANBAYNEWS.COM

    Popular Articles

    The One & Only, Jayden Grahlman @ Blue Mountain Village

    https://youtu.be/NafByCLCH9A Grassroots Guitar School I post bluegrass guitar & mandolin lessons every Monday & Thursday 11 am EST. JOIN FOR FREE to start: https://www.patreon.com/GrassRootsGuitarSchool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCmN3Eulvik https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jodtoTngHRk https://georgianbaynews.com/3-part-harmony-play-shop-with-jayden-grahlman/

    VIDEO: How a battle between Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer affected Connie Chung’s career

    CNN’s Erin Burnett sits down with legendary reporter and news anchor Connie Chung to reflect on her barrier breaking broadcast career. #cnn #news Connie Chung...

    Fossil-fuelled deniers in politics hurt everyone

    By David Suzuki The climate crisis is real, as are its solutions. In fact, the many solutions offer a plethora of side benefits, from good...

    ‘I think Mark Zuckerberg is a criminal.’: Steve Bannon

    ABC News’ Jonathan Karl interviews former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon on “This Week.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDGaVkl4I68 Steve Bannon is a prominent American political figure, media...

    Queen Rania | The European House – Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio

    Queen Rania speaks at the European House Queen Rania proposes 5 indisputable principles that should underpin all genuine enterprises for peace. Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio...

    Celebrating Unity: The History of Canada Day

    On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act came into effect, uniting three colonies - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of...

    Nominate a Business or Individual Age-Friendly Champion Today

    Midhurst/June 3, 2025 – As we kick off Seniors Month, the County of Simcoe is proud to announce that nominations are now open for the...

    The Top 19 Mediterranean Diet Snacks, Recommended by Registered Dietitians

    The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its rich flavors and health benefits, emphasizes whole grains, healthy fats, fresh fruits, and vegetables. If you're following this...

    Notice of Upcoming North Simcoe Emergency Services Food/Toy Drive

    (MIDLAND, ON) - Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) joined by members of the Penetanguishene, Midland, and Tiny Fire Services will be again...

    Half an Hour of VINTAGE Commercials From the 1970s!

    *CHECK OUT OLD MCDONALD'S ADS HERE:    • Old McDonald's Ads Compilation - 60s 70s 80s   This video is a compilation of nostalgic commercials from the 1970s (for a duration of 30 minutes)....

    CAFC and Partners Raise Awareness of Malicious Cyber Campaign

    (MIDLAND,ON)- Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) are continuing to raise the awareness for North Simcoe residents of...

    Anna Leigh Waters vs Ben Johns | LA Mad Drops vs NJ 5s MLP Dallas

    The ultimate battle between two pickleball powerhouses! Watch Anna Leigh Waters and the New Jersey 5s take on Ben Johns and the LA Mad...

    OJHL 20-YEAR-OLDS TO PLAY OUA TEAMS IN TWO-GAME SERIES

    Players from the OJ will get full student-athlete experience during visits to TMU, Ontario Tech December 13, 2024, Mississauga, ON – ….  Two teams made up...

    HSBC: The Money Laundering Scandal | HSBC Exposed | Too Big to Fail, Too Corrupt to Jail

    HSBC: The Money Laundering Scandal - If HSBC were a country, it would be the fifth world economic power. Founded during the golden age...

    International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024: Amplifying Leadership for an Inclusive Future

    Collingwood, ON – The Town of Collingwood proudly joins the global community in observing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December...

    PICKLEBALL PLAYERS GETTING ANGRY – Paddle Slams & Throws, FIGHTS, Body Bags and More – Best of 2024

    On this episode of the Sorry Not Sorry Pickleball Podcast, I recap my favorite moments from 2024 - this time, its all the moments...

    VIDEO | 70s Acoustic Rock | Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, America & More

    A timeless collection of 70s acoustic rock - mellow guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and the warm analog sound that defined an era. Featuring Fleetwood Mac,...

    Collingwood Celebrates 211 Day

    Collingwood, ON — The Town of Collingwood is proud to join communities across the nation in celebrating 211 Day on February 11. This...

    MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEWS of the Earth 🌼 16K VIDEO ULTRA HD 240fps

    Step into a world of ultra high-resolution visuals designed to deliver relaxation, awe, and next-generation clarity. We create cinematic nature, cityscape, and abstract content...

    Jeff Woods Summer Bday Banger | Saturday July 20th

    Mississippi Blues meets Detroit Rock!  It's the Summer Baby Birthday Banger, as we celebrate the birthdays of all our friends born in the summer...

    Celebrating Collingwood New Year’s Day Polar Plunge in Support of Save Georgian Bay

    Photo: Mirella Alves, Nick Vendramin, and Lucy Kennedy supporting a great cause! Happy New Year!!! Thank you so much for the generous donations: Dags & Willow,...

    BIG COMMUNITY EVENT: Collingwood Blues, CCI Band and Sam Griffiths Birthday @ ‘the Eddie’

    A SUPER FUN FILLED EVENING!!! Go Blues Go!!! https://youtu.be/XwCnVWgiUKk Player of the Game goes to #29 Colten Drillen-Roach. An incredible performance, Colten!!! Happy Birthday Sam Griffiths!!!  https://youtu.be/9_TAL98c8z4 UPDATE: Collingwood...

    A Dark Future for American Agriculture | Zeihan on Geopolitics

    Next up on Trump's chopping block, we have US agriculture. Staring down a broad list of restrictive tariffs, US agriculture is entering a crisis...

    5 Beginner Pickleball Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

    If you are a beginner pickleball player, chances are you are making these five mistakes. Pickleball coaches Barrett and Danea Bass will teach you...