Singh, Ankita, Balachandran, Ajinkya, Khanna, Geetanjali, Kauntey, Harsh, Chandrikapure, Himanshu, Sipani, Preksha and Dave, Rucha (2022) The Silent Crisis: Unravelling the complexities of biodiversity loss. In: Proceedings of Relating Systems Thinking and Design, RSD11, 3-16 Oct 2022, Brighton, United Kingdom.

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Abstract

In the intricate dance of life on Earth, human activities have emerged as a formidable force, reshaping landscapes, economies, and ecosystems.

The Silent Crisis gigamap delves into the paradoxical interplay between human endeavours and the subtle yet profound crisis of biodiversity loss that has been set in motion. While our pursuits have ushered in remarkable progress and technological advancements, they have also triggered a silent and pervasive crisis, the consequences of which may only become apparent when biodiversity loss reaches a critical crescendo. At this pivotal juncture, humanity stands at a precipice, facing the sobering reality that urgent action and unwavering dedication to biodiversity conservation are no longer lofty ideals but imperatives for the survival of our species and the preservation of the intricate web of life that blankets our planet.

This brief is an accompaniment to the gigamap and serves to explore the multifaceted dimensions of human-induced biodiversity loss, investigating its causes, manifestations, and potentially far-reaching consequences. The project adopted an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on ecological, economic, political, sociocultural, and emotional perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of the crisis of biodiversity loss. By synthesising existing research and presenting novel insights, it aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and various stakeholders by drawing a parallel between the cost of neglecting and the cost of conserving biodiversity. The urgency of the matter is emphasised, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in societal values and policies to foster sustainable coexistence with the natural world.

Our research underscores the necessity of immediate and concerted efforts to address the silent crisis of biodiversity loss, urging humanity to transcend its current trajectory and embrace a harmonious coexistence with the intricate tapestry of life that envelops our world, focusing on the lack of conversation around the subject weighing out the costs of neglecting vs conserving biodiversity. The gigamap presented here serves as a metaphorical narrative, illustrating the vastness and complexity of the system being studied to facilitate a deeper understanding and aid in the development of strategies and solutions.

Item Type:	Conference/Workshop Item (Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	biodiversity loss, sustainable coexistence, societal values, policies, ecosystems, conservation
Divisions:	Faculty of Design
Date Deposited:	30 Apr 2024 14:10
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2024 14:10
URI:	https://openresearch.ocadu.ca/id/eprint/4331

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