THE CURRENT EXTINCTION

A strange extinction
           In the past 20,000 years, there has been a giant drop in the diversity, or variety, of life on Earth.
There have been few new species appearing.
          The current rate of extinction is way higher than average.  Many believe it is 1,000 times faster than normal.
          The extinctions go together with the rise of humans.  Even primitive hunters from thousands of years ago caused extinctions of animals such as the woolly mammoth and saber-toothed tiger.  As technology grew and human numbers increased, extinctions also increased.
          Most experts agree that this is the first time a mass extinction is not being caused by natural events.  This time, it is being caused by people.
Human causes
          People are causing mass extinctions in many ways ---- by pollution, changing the climate and overhunting.  But the main way we are causing extinctions is by destroying habitat.
          People are changing the Earth to suit their needs, cutting down forests and destroying natural areas to create farms, highways or buildings.
Population  growth
          Experts believe there will be 7 billion people on Earth by the end of this year.  Many believe the population will jump to 10 billion in 100 years. 
          The more people there are, the more pressure this puts on the planet.  The more people, the more there is a need for resources such as land, food and water.
          As human numbers grow, other species' numbers fall ----- or the animals disappear completely.  Danger signs are everywhere.  For example, amphibians such as frogs have been dying all over the world.  Bees, bats, Arctic animals and big wild animals are in serious trouble.  Thousands of plant species are gone.
What we can do
          It's hard to imagine how we fit into millions of years of Earth's history.  But our time here is important.  People don't just cause problems.  We can fix them too.  We can figure out the answers.  We can work to save the environment.
          In not too many years, the kids of today will be the ones in charge.  You can start preparing now.  Study about our Earth.  Pay attention to science.  The world needs your help.