This Blog post #8 is entitled: Biodiversity – Values. It follows our last post #7: “Biodiversity – Ecosystems”.
This present post #8 is also the final post in our “Biodiversity” Series. It is inspired by Part Two through to the end of Antonelli’s book, “The Hidden Universe: Adventures in Biodiversity”.
Biodiversity – Values
Right at the beginning of Part Two of his book, “The Values of Biodiversity”, Antonelli asks the reader, “How much is a flower worth?”
He then proceeds to suggest how a flower might be valued by different people, enterprises, and societies. But he concludes at the end of this long paragraph that: “we cannot be here without them. And here is why.”
Antonelli identifies three groups of reasons why we cannot be here without flowers and biodiversity:
- For Us
- For Nature
- For Itself
For Us
By recounting one of his early experiences he explains the importance for our survival and well being of the existence of living things and nature in general.
For Nature
He explains that nature is not present for our convenience to do with as we wish. The reason is simple, nature is a complex of interdependent systems and species. If we disturb the natural balances of the species, ecosystems and biodiversity, we will damage nature itself which will in turn result in damage to us.
For Itself
We cannot pick and choose to retain only those parts of nature that immediately serve our needs. This is not only extremely arrogant of humans, it is extremely dangerous to the biosphere and, in due course, to all life including human life. Humans may believe that they are the masters of the planet and that nature only exists to serve us, but this is like believing that the sun and the stars only exist for our pleasure. But while the sun and the stars are safely out of human reach, unfortunately the Earth’s biosphere is not.
It will be of little consequence to the Universe if humans destroy the biosphere out of greed, arrogance and ignorance, but it will be of fatal consequence to humanity.
Suffice to say that Antonelli is more subtle and detailed in his arguments in support of saving the biosphere and biodiversity.
But if you boil it down (to use an unfortunate phrase that may derive from the whaling industry) he is arguing for urgent and widespread protection for the biosphere from avoidable damage caused by human activity. In essence, we have proven by our unconsidered actions that we are not as clever as we may think we are.
Threats to Biodiversity
In his Part Three, “The Threats to Biodiversity”, Antonelli considers the damage already inflicted upon the biodiversity of our planet.
He identifies documented numbers of species that have been affected by: habitat loss, exploitation, climate change, and other threats.
Habitat Loss
In Chapter 9 he gives examples from his own experience of cases of habitat loss.
Exploitation
In Chapter 10 he provides us with examples of biodiversity damage resulting from human exploitation.
Climate Change
In Chapter 11 he explains the damage that climate change is inflicting upon biodiversity.
Other Hazards and Dangers
In Chapter 12 he outlines other hazards and dangers which impact seriously upon biodiversity.
These include invasive species, multiple forms of pollution, and emerging diseases,
Saving Biodiversity
In his Part Four, “Saving Biodiversity”, Antonelli provides insight into the most impactful actions to protect and restore nature.
Large-Scale Solutions
In Chapter 13 he recounts his experience with ‘plant a tree’ apps and the dangers and pitfalls of such populist pledges if they are not carefully considered.
Prevention of damage and restoration is a large and complex area.
It is best to prevent the natural ecology from being lost in the first place as this is more efficient than trying to restore it once it is gone.
Also, just planting plantations of exotic trees in place of the natural forest will not save biodiversity and may make the situation worse. He explains why with examples.
The best actions are those that allow nature to repair itself using ecosystems’ natural tools of diverse native species of complementary flora and fauna, with a little help from us as may be necessary.
Economics and taxes, and methods are discussed that may encourage the right actions and to discourage damaging behaviour.
He mentions the concept of a ‘good life’ that is lass linked to monetary assets and produced capital.
What Can We Do?
In Chapter 14 Antonelli quotes an African proverb: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito”.
There isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all way for individuals to contribute.
Examples are given of positive action and successes.
The following areas of action are identified where we can be effective: food, at home, our backyard, transportation, soft power, investments and other actions.
Epilogue: Looking Ahead
In his Epilogue, Antonelli gives us his final words of his book in which he expresses optimism and hope for the future. Let us hope he is justified in these feelings. We all need to take note of the problem and take action according to our abilities and resources, and to spread the word….
This “Biodiversity – Values” post was the #8 and last post in this “Biodiversity” series, inspired by Antonelli’s book, “The Hidden Universe: Adventures in Biodiversity”.
(Post Dated: 16/08/2026)