Facing the Global Biodiversity Crises and Sixth Mass Extinction

We are living through Earth’s sixth mass extinction, and most people don’t even know it. A new international study led by Dr Ganga Shreedhar reveals that while public awareness of the sixth mass extinction is low, support for action is remarkably high.

The research explored how people across Brazil, India, South Africa, the UK, and the US perceive the biodiversity crisis and the sixth mass extinction.

Key findings include:

• Awareness is low, but acceptance is high: only 23 pet cent knew the term “sixth mass extinction”, yet 86 per cent agreed it’s happening once explained.
• Human responsibility is clear: 85 per cent believe human activities are driving mass extinction.
• Personal action is on the table: 75–97 per cent are willing to take low-cost actions like reducing food waste and saving energy.
• Strong support for solutions: tree planting (82 per cent) and renewable energy (75 per cent) enjoy broad public backing.
• A global divide exists: Brazil, India, and South Africa show higher awareness, concern, and willingness to act than the UK and US.