CENTER FOR BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION

Many people are uninformed about biodiversity and how important it is to the whole world. In New York City, one of the busiest places in the world, the people of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) are working to mitigate the threats to biodiversity, which humans were mainly responsible for.

Biodiversity considers all factors concerning every living thing in our planet. It is important because it affects the things that are vital to us, such as water, food, medicine, and so on. We humans are arguably inherently dominant. Yes, the world would still be changing regardless of the existence of humans, but our actions are causing it to change rapidly and, unfortunately, in a negative way. Animals are becoming extinct, their habitats are changing, and we are running low on resources.

Our ‘dominance’ gives more reason for us to take action and do more to maintain biodiversity. Surprisingly, it is not very hard for us to be more ‘biodiversity-friendly’. For example, we can start off by using a reusable water bottle, or buying items made of more sustainable materials, such as bamboo, recycled materials, or reused materials.

The American Museum of Natural History has been focusing on the crises concerning biodiversity. In 1993, it even created the Interdisciplinary Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC). It’s almost strange to think that New Yorkers can help the cause, since they live in such a metropolitan, populated place. But through ANMH, they can learn and help through conferences, exhibitions, educators, partnerships with affected countries, volunteer opportunities, donations, and their website. Even kids can learn.

How can we start helping to sustain biodiversity?

• Get informed about the topic
• Take action and make small changes in your everyday life
• Inform others about the importance of biodiversity

You can take part in saving the world! Even people in the most urban, populated areas can help the plants and animals in their own community or halfway around the globe!

References:

"Biodiversity." Inspiration Green. Web. 23 Nov. 2010.

<http://inspirationgreen.com/biodiversity-organizations.html>.

"What Is Biodiversity?" Center for Biodiversity and Conservation.

            American Museum of Natural History. Web. 23 Nov. 2010.

            <http://cbc.amnh.org/center/what.html>.

"What We Do." Center for Biodiversity and Conservation. American

            Museum of Natural History. Web. 23 Nov. 2010.

            <http://cbc.amnh.org/center/programs/wwd.html>.

"What You Can Do." Center for Biodiversity and Conservation. American

            Museum of Natural History. Web. 23 Nov. 2010.

            <http://cbc.amnh.org/center/programs/wycd.html>.

            Shah, Anup. "Climate Change Affects Biodiversity." Global Issues.

                       10 Aug. 2010. Web. 24 Nov. 2010.         

                        <http://www.globalissues.org/article/172/climate-change-affects-biodiversity>.

Images from:

http://www.amnh.org/visitors/

http://www.american.com/archive/2008/may-05-08/are-polar-bears-really-an-endangered-species

http://www.momgoesgreen.com/category/bamboo/

http://www.ecomentalstore.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=58

http://cbc.amnh.org/index.php

Blogs I commented on:

http://fionnasbioblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/offshore-drilling-worth-it.html
http://waynebioblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/leave-no-trace-in-national-park-as-to.html