As the rate of species extinctions is currently at 1,000 times the normal rate, some believe that the sixth great extinction is upon us. Unlike the previous five, however, this on e will be due largely to human activities. As entire ecosystems also disappear, humanity will lose the free services with which it is currently provided; including purification of air and water, protection from extreme weather, and the provisions of food, shelter and fire.

 

 

 

The United Nations, therefore, has declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. This comes as governments fail to reach global targets set in 2002, to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss by this year. No doubt, most will see this as an opportunity for governments to do for biodiversity what they failed to do for climate change in Copenhagen.
"In this International Year, we must counter the perception that people are disconnected from our natural environment ... in 2010, I call on every country and each citizen of our planet to engage in a global alliance to protect life on Earth,” says the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.
Humans too are part of diversity and have both the power to protect and destroy it. Our activities cause the diversity of life to be lost at a largely accelerated rate. These losses damage the chains and links in the environment, upon which rely. We, however, can prevent it.
Raising public awareness is a main aim of the United Nations as it appeals to all, to do something to help our planet. Recently, it collaborated with the Cameroon football team in an attempt to bring awareness to the public. The UN is also working together with environmental organisations throughout the world (including Environment Africa) to help raise awareness and host special programs and events.
Many International events have also been arranged this year to discuss and raise awareness of the adverse effects our actions have on biodiversity. These involve events in Berlin, Paris, Trondheim, New Delhi, Doha, Cartagena, Shanghai and Nairobi.  
The UN hopes that at the CBD summit in Japan in October, a legally-binding treaty will curb the loss of the planet’s biological diversity. However, based on the outcome at Copenhagen, there is scepticism over what kind of agreements will be met.