Income inequality is driving wildlife trade around the world
The rich are paying the poor for wildlife. Maybe there s a lesson here. A A
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Over 420,000 million wild animals were traded in 226 countries in the last two decades, according to figures from a new global study. The researchers found that wealth inequality is one of the main drivers behind the wildlife trade, suggesting developed countries should pay developing ones to help them conserve wildlife.
Image credit: Flickr / Ray in Manila
We’re in the midst of the sixth mass extinction. Unlike previous ones which were caused by meteorites or volcano eruptions, this one is caused by us. Wild animals are commodified and viewed as ‘products’. Subjected to unsustainable practices, global wildlife populations are dropping dramatically. The damage spills from ecosystem to ecosystem, also affecting humans in the process (both directly and indirectly).