Bio means life, and diversity means, well, diversity. So biodiversity is essentially referencing all of the diverse species that live on our planet. It can also refer to the specific diversity of plant and animal life within a given ecosystem, such as the Amazon Rainforest or the Mojave Desert.
Why is it so important?
Around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction — more than ever before in human history. Biodiversity is important because without it, life on our planet could simply not be sustained. Diverse ecosystems are healthy ecosystems — and biodiversity is responsible for a whole variety of ecosystem services such as the production of oxygen, water filtration, healthy soils, crop pollination, and so much more. International Day for Biological Diversity was created to celebrate these services, while raising awareness of the many threats to biodiversity. These threats are a result of human activities such as rapid land-use changes and development, widespread pollution, and climate change.
How can us humans support global biodiversity?
A simple step you can take is being respectful of the natural areas you frequent, by staying on designated hiking trails and paths when in nature. You can also support organizations and researchers working to protect biodiversity and tackle its root causes, such as over-development, pollution and climate change. Lastly, when it comes to choosing where you shop, make informed decisions and support brands, like Wolven, who give back to greater movements to protect our environment. For example, through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, we donate a portion of our profits to the Women’s Earth Alliance, an organization who is taking action across the globe to promote conservation, climate action, and empower Indigenous and BIPOC conservation leaders.
Together, we can make a difference in preserving Earth's invaluable biodiversity — and don’t forget, we are all part of the same biodiverse planet we call home.
Author: Amanda Lapham, Wolven Sustainability Specialist
