Species extinctions accelerating

An epidemic of extinctions: Decimation of life on earth - Nature, Environment - The Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/an-epidemic-of-extinctions-decimation-of-life-on-earth-829325.html

Species are dying out at a rate not seen since the demise of the dinosaurs, according to a report published today – and human behaviour is to blame. Emily Dugan counts the cost...

Species are dying off at 10,000 times the natural rate of extinction. Between 1960 and 2000, animal populations declined by 30%. The five main reasons for this decline are all human induced: climate change, pollution, destruction of natural habitats, the spread of invasive species and the overexploitation of species. Noted biologist Edward Wilson estimates that there are more than 10,000,000 species on the planet. And the most devastating effects of global warming are just beginning to appear. This devastation is mostly avoidable. Why are we doing this to our planet?