This project was made possible by the very generous support of an anonymous donor and
Pulling together a project of this size takes a lot of work. The help of Jayme Nelson, Katherine Hill and Kathryn Wagner from Inside Education was invaluable. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!
AC Atienza, Brendan Bate, Shannon Smithwick, Steff Stephansson, Kaleigh Watson, Andrew Wilson.
Biodiversity is a broad term referring to all life forms found on our planet, including different plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they live in such as forests, oceans, and deserts. Biodiversity has three separate definitions. It can mean variety within a species, such as the genetic diversity found within the white spruce species” Biodiversity can also mean the variety between species in an area, such as how many different species live in the boreal forest. Lastly, biodiversity can refer to the variety of biological communities and habitats in an area, such as how the boreal forest itself is made up of different stands of trees, different types of wetlands and water bodies, etc. [1].
This variety is important because it helps ecosystems stay resilient, meaning they can better handle changes or threats like climate change, natural disasters, or harm caused by humans [2]. Every organism, big or small, is important in keeping the environment balanced, which is also important for human survival. The number of species on Earth is still unknown, but in 2011, estimates ranged from 8.7 million to 100 million, with 18,000 new animal species discovered each year [3]. We rely on diverse species and ecosystems for food, clean water, and medicine. Understanding how nature is connected helps us identify ways we can protect those connections and keep our planet and communities healthy.
Water is essential for our planet and for supporting biodiversity across the Earth. It’s a key resource that supports ecosystems, economies, and societies. Water helps create and maintain living spaces for all kinds of life and plays a crucial role in controlling climate, moving nutrients, and helping species survive and interact [4]. The connection between water and healthy biodiversity ensures that ecosystems like wetlands, forests, and coral reefs can clean and control water, for continued use by all living beings.
However, if water quality or availability changes, it can negatively affect life, causing environments to degrade and species to disappear. The relationship between water and biodiversity is mutual; a diverse natural world helps keep water clean and available, supporting a variety of life. Communities worldwide depend on this natural balance for food, medicine, and recreation.
The relationship between humans and nature is deeply interconnected, highlighting how essential biodiversity and water are to our lives. Biodiversity brings a wide range of benefits; it supports agriculture, health, and the environment [5]. If biodiversity or water sources are jeopardized, it can lead to problems such as food shortages, health and hygiene issues, and weakened economies. Protecting nature isn’t just about conservation for the future; it’s crucial for the current functioning of societies across the world.
Communities can take part in protecting biodiversity by implementing nature-based solutions, which focus on working with natural processes rather than relying on human-made infrastructure. Activities such as planting trees, reconnecting rivers to their floodplains, and restoring wetlands can help rebalance the water cycle and mitigate the effects of climate change [6].
Climate change and human actions are causing a rapid loss of biodiversity. The burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests and other habitats are raising Earth’s temperatures and changing the environments in which many species have evolved to survive [7]. These changes lead to unstable weather patterns and make it hard for many species to survive, causing them to migrate, evolve, die off in areas they previously lived in, or become extinct [8].
At the same time, activities such as building and farming damage the natural world by breaking up habitats and leaving less room for wildlife. As our environment continues to change – with rivers drying up, forests and wilderness areas getting smaller, and oceans becoming more acidic – it’s clear we need to act quickly. To secure the ecosystem services such as air and water purification, waste decomposition and soil fertility, we must work together to reduce climate change and protect natural habitats.
In addition to the directly human-caused pressures on habitats, the climate is changing. As the climate changes, species are being stressed as their environment changes. Some species are moving to new areas which adds to the pressure on the species and food chains already in those areas.
As mentioned above, nobody knows for sure how many species there are on the planet. However, we do know that the populations of many known species are dropping. The figure below shows that almost 32,000 populations of 5,230 species decreased by an average of 69% between 1970 and 2018.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. There have also been conservation successes in Canada.
Biodiversity loss has profound impacts on social equity, which refers to fair access to resources and opportunities within societies. Here’s how these two are interconnected:
When addressing biodiversity loss, it’s important to consider and prioritize concern for social equity. Conservation efforts should include and benefit all social groups. This approach not only protects biodiversity but also contributes to a fairer and more equitable world.
Pollution is the presence of any harmful substance that can cause damage to air, water, soil, and living things. Major sources of pollution are chemicals, plastics, and waste. These pollutants damage habitats, contaminate water, and disrupt the balance of life, which species need to survive. This results in less diverse and rich ecosystems. A loss in biodiversity doesn’t just mean fewer plants and animals: it also weakens ecosystems, making them less capable of providing the services humans rely on. Fighting pollution is crucial not only for protecting nature but also for preserving the basic conditions necessary for life.
Chemical pollutants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial run-off, can poison aquatic wildlife. These contaminants can accumulate in the bodies of aquatic organisms, causing illness or death, and can biomagnify in the food chain, affecting predators and prey [21]
Excessive nutrients from agricultural runoff or sewage discharges can lead to eutrophication [22] (see also our page on eutrophication). This process causes dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen, known as hypoxic or “dead zones,” where no fish or typical marine life can survive [23].
Plastics can entangle wildlife or be ingested, leading to injury, illness, or death. Microplastics, or small pieces of plastic under 5 millimeters in length, can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, from small invertebrates to large mammals, and can carry toxins into the food web [24].
Discharges of warm water from industrial processes can alter the temperature of water bodies. Many aquatic species have a limited tolerance for temperature change, so even small alterations can stress aquatic life, sometimes leading to decreased fertility, increased vulnerability to disease, or death [25]. A further complication is that warmer water cannot hold as much dissolved oxygen as colder water [26] which can, for example, threaten fish survival.
Erosion from wildfires, construction, mining, or agricultural activities can increase the amount of sediment in water bodies. This can smother habitats (such as spawning grounds), reduce light penetration (which affects photosynthesis in aquatic plants), and disrupt the feeding and respiration of fish and other aquatic life [27].
Acid rain, a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, can decrease the pH of water bodies, leading to acidification. This change in acidity can harm aquatic plants and animals, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as mollusks and corals [28].
Oil spills can coat everything they touch, making it impossible for marine animals to breathe or ingest food. Oil can also smother plants and, as it breaks down, release toxins into the water that can persist for the long term, causing chronic health problems in aquatic organisms [29].
Underwater noise pollution from ships, sonar, and construction can be harmful to aquatic life, especially species like whales and dolphins that rely on echolocation for communication, navigation, and foraging [30].
The introduction of non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems. These invasive species can outcompete, predate upon, or bring diseases to native species, leading to reductions or extinctions of local biodiversity [31].
Wastewater treatment centres are not always effective at removing pharmaceuticals because the substances are small and can pass through the system. Medicines that end up in waterways, whether through improper disposal or as waste products from human use, can affect the health and behavior of aquatic organisms [32] and those organisms, including humans, that drink the water. A 2022 study suggests that over 40% of the world’s rivers could contain harmful drugs [33].
Pollution affects almost every aspect of aquatic environments and the biodiversity within them, making pollution control and management a critical aspect of conserving water-related biodiversity.
https://civilmint.com/biodiversity/
Photo from GPT demonstrating circularity and interconnectedness of biodiversity, ecosystems and communities
Water is essential for supporting all forms of life, which keeps ecosystems balanced. Protecting and wisely managing water systems is important for promoting a variety of plant and animal life, strengthening the ability of ecosystems to cope with changes, and supporting healthy human communities. This variety of life makes ecosystems more resilient, allowing them to better handle changes like climate change and disasters. Protecting water is key to supporting life on Earth and shows how connected we are to nature and its well-being.
By adopting these actions, individuals and communities can play a significant role in preserving healthy water systems and promoting biodiversity
These questions intend to inspire critical thinking, empathy for the environment, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Have students identify and discuss the major factors contributing to biodiversity loss, such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation of resources. This question can lead to discussions on how human activities influence these factors.
This question personalizes the issue, prompting students to research and reflect on biodiversity loss in their own communities. It can lead to discussions about local conservation efforts and challenges.
Encourage students to explore the direct and indirect impacts of biodiversity loss on human societies, including food security, medicine, ecosystem services (like water purification and flood protection), and cultural impacts.
Ask students to discuss the role of national parks, wildlife reserves, and other protected areas in conserving biodiversity. This can lead to a debate on the balance between conservation and human needs for land and resources.
Encourage a discussion on the role of Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity conservation, including how their knowledge, practices, and relationship with the environment can teach broader society about sustainable living.
Have students brainstorm and evaluate different strategies to reduce or reverse biodiversity loss, including legal measures, conservation projects, sustainable resource management, and technological innovations.
Encourage students to think about actions they and their communities can take to support biodiversity, such as participating in or organizing local conservation projects, making sustainable lifestyle choices, and advocating for policies that protect the environment.
This debate question invites students to discuss the trade-off between economic growth and environmental protection. It can lead to a nuanced conversation about sustainable development and finding a balance that supports both economic and ecological well-being.
Have students explore how modern technologies (like remote sensing, bioacoustics, and genetic engineering) are being used in biodiversity conservation, including their potential benefits and ethical considerations.
The Water-Biodiversity Nexus: Create an interactive map online highlighting various global water bodies and their significance to local biodiversity. Students can click on locations to learn about specific water-related ecosystems and the species they support
Community Stakeholder Simulation: Students assume the roles of different community stakeholders (e.g., farmers, policymakers, local business owners, Indigenous peoples) in a role-playing game. They debate and negotiate to implement nature-based solutions that balance economic development and biodiversity conservation.
Local Biodiversity Audit: Students conduct a biodiversity audit of their school or community. They identify species, assess habitat quality, and propose actions to enhance local biodiversity, such as planting native plants or creating wildlife habitats.
We provide Canadian educational resources on water practices to promote conservation and sustainability. Our team crafts current and relevant content, while encouraging feedback and engagement.
The Canada WaterPortal is a registered charity, #807121876RR0001
We recognize and respect the sovereignty of the Indigenous Peoples and communities on whose land our work takes place.
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Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.
Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market. With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry.
Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector.
He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field.
Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation. As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.