ISSUE XV: Biodiversity

HUMANITE ISSUE 15

As worsening pollution and global warming continue to wreak havoc upon our planet, the importance of biodiversity in maintaining balance in nature has only become more clear.

Biodiversity, which refers to the variety of living organisms that exist on Earth, plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of our planet’s ecosystem. It provides numerous benefits to humans and other living beings, including the provision of food, medicine, and ecosystem services. Unfortunately, human activities have led to a significant loss of biodiversity, threatening the balance of the Earth’s ecosystem and the provision of these essential benefits.

In this issue of Humanité Magazine, we will delve into the critical topic of biodiversity and its importance in the modern age. We will explore the various facets of biodiversity, including its major threats and the steps that must be taken to protect and conserve it. Through this issue in particular, we hope to highlight the various benefits that biodiversity provides to our planet and the potentially catastrophic future consequences that could result from its loss.

True Aquatic Treasure

R

obert Baddn-Powell, a famous English soldier who fought a different war for his people, once warned, “We never fail our duty when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it.”

While preventing global warming, pollution, or the extinction of certain species has always been the face of environmentalism, loss of biodiversity falls flat in terms of support from environmentalist organizations. However, it nonetheless shares similar significance, as it affects the welfare of one of the most important ecosystems on the planet: the coral reef. This biome not only acts as the habitat for numerous different species, but also protects nearby residents from storm surges and purifies the ocean waters. Additionally, the coral reefs directly support our economy, providing fishermen with diverse variants of fish and giving divers the chance to explore this aquatic treasure without disturbing the wildlife. The importance of coral reefs are set in stone, yet we continue to turn a blind eye from its destruction. How do we neglect the coral reefs’ survival?

One of the greatest reasons

for coral reef destruction is climate change, as they are extremely sensitive to minute temperature changes.

According to Corryn Wetzel, a freelance scientific journalist who has appeared in National Geographic, notes that when corals are impacted by environmental stressors, they expel zooxanthellae, a microscopic symbiotic algae, from their tissues.

Since this algae is their primary food source, the corals become pale, thus the name, “coral bleaching.” To recover, the corals need to reabsorb the algae, which is only possible after the mitigation of the environmental stressors. The effects of the corals’ death pose a great threat, as the loss of many animals losing their habitat will lead to loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity prominently displays its importance in various places in human civilization. First of all, great biodiversity proves its significance in the face of certain diseases by increasing DNA variation in a certain species.

In our world, there are many species that haven’t been discovered or thoroughly researched, which could provide valuable information to medical institutions. Loss of biodiversity may prevent us from having a major

breakthrough which could improve healthcare.

Since there are many environmental factors affecting the welfare of coral reefs, there are also many actions we can take to save them. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by simply riding public transportation, buying foodstuffs in bulk, or creating less food waste is a simple but easy way to contribute to resolving this issue.

Recycling also helps, as litter that ends up with landfills create air pollution that could be prevented. Participating in ocean cleaning groups or using proper fertilizer to purify the seas will allow the various species of fish living in reefs to survive easier, as high levels of nitrate, which are found in artificial fertilizers, can

poison marine wildlife. Researching about your diet beforehand supports the preservation of biodiversity, as you may be unintentionally eating a type of endangered fish. For example, one should abstain from eating parrotfish, as they consume algae off of corals and keep it clean.

Thanks to fervent support from various organizations and individuals, there has been improvement, as researchers observe coral reefs regaining 2% of their cover. Trying to return Earth back to its original state will take a long time, and every person’s effort matters. Maintaining the health of coral reefs will allow us to continue to enjoy the features coral reefs provide us.

Writing & Layout by: Austin Chung

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Biodiversity and Climate Change in the Pacific Ocean

Can we go home?

“Can we go home?” I perk up at my sister.

“Not yet.”

“Why not?”

“Not until you’ve done a flip.” She smiles, nudging me.

I swim forward for a few seconds and chase my fin in a circle.

“I did it! I did it!” Now can we go home?”

“Nope,” her smile weakens and I can see her eyes turn to glass though I don’t know why. “you have to dance before we go.”

I roll around and flap my dorsal fin, dancing to the quiet music of the ocean.

“Okay, can we go?”

A deep breath, “Your next task is…”

“Stop it!”

“Fine fine, last one before we can go– — make the waters colder.”

She swims away. “...but I don’t know how to do that…do you?”

“No.” I swim up and down, up and down, searching for something.

Anything. are there instructions? a button? a lever maybe?

“It’s not fair, it’s not possible!” I yell, frustrated.

“Exactly.”

“But if I don’t do it, we can’t go home?”

“Exactly honey, exactly.”

by Sopheen Lee layout by Sophia Park

H

How Habitat Los Animals and The

abitat loss is a detrimental issue to the harmony of Earth’s biomes, creatures, and overall biodiversity. Many believe that habitat loss only affects animals, but due to the entanglement of the food web, habitat loss affects all living organisms on Earth.

Specifically, in South Korea, this environmental catastrophe can occur in many different forms, such as destruction, fragmentation, and degradation of habitats, which is the reason why it is so difficult to solve. Habitat loss negatively impacts the environment and the lives of animals and can gradually lead to problems for humans as well. If left unchecked, habitat loss is likely to become a major issue for forests in Korea.

There are three main types of habitat loss that have had a major impact on Korea’s once-abundant biodiversity. The first is habitat destruction–a type of habitat loss caused entirely by humans. This often includes the bulldozing of trees, filling of wetlands, and mowing of fields. The destruction of forest habitats often results in animals losing their homes or the resources they need to survive. The second type of habitat loss is habitat fragmentation– loss caused by environmental processes. Habitat fragmentation occurs when parts of a habitat are destroyed, leaving behind a number of disconnected, smaller habitats, such as during volcanic eruptions or other natural disasters. These fragmented habitats often have insufficient resources to sustain animals and prevent certain species from migrating. According to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), migratory animals

act as pollinators and seed dispersers which allows plants to flourish. Without them, the ecosystem’s structure and function can collapse. The last major type of habitat loss is habitat degradation, defined as the disruption of environmental processes, including the disruption to food webs and other aspects of animal life. Habitat degradation is caused by a variety of factors, such as pollution, invasive species, and wildfires.

All things considered, habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation all severely impact and disrupt the lives of animals and the environments that they live in.

This all begs the question, how exactly are animals and their environments affected by habitat loss? Habitat loss can lead to population declines for species that inhabit a destroyed habitat, ultimately disrupting the complex food web that all animals are linked to. Even if they manage to survive, habitat loss can still cause severe physical and behavioral changes in these animals. Due to the abrupt changes in the ecosystem, their internal processes are likely to be disturbed, making it difficult for animals to adapt to their new homes. This, in turn, can lead to the death or injury of the impacted animals. Furthermore, habitat loss leaves a lasting impact not only on the animals but also on their environment.

One example of this is the coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the ocean”.

According to Fauna & Flora International, 75% of reefs are currently threatened by unsustainable fishing practices, pollution, anchor damage, and climate. Considering

ss is a Threat to eir Environments that an estimated 25% of marine species live in coral reefs, it is clear that the environment will be negatively impacted if this problem continues, as many animals rely on coral reefs for shelter. The environment and the animals that live in it must be protected from this ever-increasing problem.

The reason why many ignore habitat loss is that most assume that habitat loss has no relevance to their lives. However, humans are likely to soon suffer the full effects of habitat loss that many have chosen to ignore. As wild animals move closer to humans as a result of their habitat destruction, the diseases they carry could be transferred to humans. In other words, habitat loss could increase the risk of cross-species transmission. An example of this in recent times is the origin of Covid-19. The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases believe that the most likely source of the disease is the transmission from bats or camels who are moving to more populated areas due to the destruction of their habitat. In addition, habitat loss can also lead to food insecurity and poor nutrition. Habitat destruction often negatively impacts agriculture, which means that pollination and useful soils could be destroyed. Since agriculture is the main source of food for people around

the world, the destruction of the industry is likely to lead to an increase in unhealthy diets and nutritional deficiencies. As agriculture continues to suffer, so will plants, leading to a decline in medical supplies. Many plants are harvested for medicine each year, with a total of around 50,000-70,000 plant species used in total, meaning habitat loss threatens new medicines. If habitat loss continues to be ignored by the majority of the population, billions of people will suffer the consequences.

As habitat loss continues to chip away at important parts of the biodiversity of Korea and the rest of the world, it is clear that the planet needs a change in order for it to continue to sustain the animals and environments on it. Habitat loss impacts animals, the environment, and eventually humans. Therefore, while an average person alone cannot make a huge change, small steps can accumulate to bring about appreciable difference–spreading awareness on the topic, limiting unsustainable activities such as excessive fishing or hunting, and recycling garbage is a great start to the fight against habitat loss. Even though destruction has already been caused, one can still begin to work towards developing and maintaining a sustainable future.

Written by Grace Lee Layout by Alex Cho

Biodiversity: the colors of the marine.

Niko Sano medium used: color pencil & watercolor Take a look at the colors of the marine.

Do you see the waving light Hitting the humble surface?

Do you notice the shimmering scales Of the silently breathing ones?

And do you taste the sprinkled salt Within the shapeless water, Which breaks free, Softly through your fingers?

Once you do, You would know.

All the things which create the colors of the marine!

How Humans Written by Yeonjae Kim Layout by Ellen Ryu

L

iving organisms all start from their native country, and are some way or another transported to another area. Organisms began to move from one area to another via nature, or mainly humans.

In the modern world, the fastest way species move is through the transportation of people. However, when species are moved, it sometimes turns them into an invasive species. Invasive species are living organisms that are not native to an area and cause economic, environmental, or human health damage.

Over the years, invasive species have become one of the leading causes of global biodiversity loss because they negatively impact new environments by outcompet-

ing native species and disrupting human activities. Additionally, invasive species are known to spread quickly and bring new diseases, which makes them deadly to other species in the same environment.

Although invasive species are harmful to their new environment, humans usually never intend for this to happen. Some reasons humans move species are to solve problems in an area such as reducing a population of harmful pests, but also because human activities are destroying habitats and environments. These reasons can be further divided into two different causes of movement: intentional and unintentional. Invasive species are usually moved unintentionally,

Made Invasive Species Invasive but sometimes are introduced to create medicine or improve the environment. One example is the cane toad. The cane toad is native to Central and South America but was introduced to Australia to control pests in sugar cane plantations.

However, the plan backfired and the cane toad became a pest as well. When unintentionally moved, insects or animals are transported by boats, trains, or planes, during processes of trade. The Brown Tree Snake was unintentionally moved from Australia to India on a military aircraft. From there, the snake has traveled to many countries and even caused the extinction of bird species in Guam. Thus, humans have played a major role in allowing invasive species to take over a region.

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In order to prevent species from spreading to other countries without good intentions, stricter rules should be enforced when transporting items across borders.

There should be multiple ways and levels of inspection on the goods themselves and on the source of transportation. Additionally, educating and spreading awareness on such species would be crucial for farmers or people in general so that they do not use or grow these species. Preventing disasters such as deforestation from happening is also a solution as many species are forced to leave an area because the living conditions are not suitable for them. Therefore, it is important that invasive species become less invasive and stay in their natural habitat.

BOARD PRESIDENT - Paul Moon VICE PRESIDENT - Junseo Lee VICE PRESIDENT - Eric Cho WRITING EDITOR - Jason Baek WRITING EDITOR - Jaslyne Tam LAYOUT EDITOR - Ellen Ryu LAYOUT EDITOR - Sophia Park ART EDITOR - Celine Yang WRITERS Austin Chung Sopheen Lee Grace Lee Yeonjae Kim Jason Lee Grace Lee Russell Jin Lucy Jang Michael Byun Jason Shin Everlyn Chong

LAYOUT Austin Chung Sophia Park Ellen Ryu Alex Cho Haven Cha ARTIST Casey Simon Niko Sano Haven Cha