When this programme was recorded in 2002, there were 1.7 million known species. Scientists estimate that there are an additional 20 to 100 million species that have not yet been described.
90% of all the humans who ever lived on this planet live now, which explains the dominance of humans and also the pressure of humans on the additional biodiversity of life. But human beings have become the most important species on Earth. But people need to realise that we actually depend on all species and ecosystems as well.
Speakers:
- Dr Eric Chivian: Director of the Centre of Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School, Boston, U.S.A.
- Dr. Callum Roberts: Marine conservation biologist of York, U.K. Threatened cone snails and other endangered hot-spots in the oceans
- Dr. Ranjit Mahindapala: Director of Programmes at IUCN Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Dr. Jeremy Russell Smith: Consultant to IUCN Sri Lri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Senanayake Chenandramali: Ayurveda doctor, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Producer: Anne Blair Gould
Broadcast: September 19, 2002