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Saving Florida's Disappearing Plants, Animals in Man-made 'Anthropocene'

Image: U.S. Geological Survey via Wikimedia Commons

Scientists say the earth has entered a new geological epoch, one defined by humanity's growing impact on the planet, climate, and ecosystems. The proposed name for the possible new epoch is the Anthropocene, and scientists say they're concerned about what this "era of man" means for the plants and animals disappearing or facing extinction during these rapid changes in the natural world.

It's a concern that's bringing scientists in Southwest Florida together for a biodiversity conference at FGCU next week.

 

Thursday at 1 p.m., Dr. Edwin Everham, FGCU professor and program leader of Environmental Studies, explains concerns about biodiversity loss in Southwest Florida, various restoration efforts in the region, and the economic and social impact of losing these species.
 

Also joining the program will be ​Kara Lefevre, ​an assistant professor of Environmental Sciences at FGCU, bringing her expertise on biodiversity concerns about Florida's birds.
 

And John Cassani with the Calusa Waterkeeper, who helped spearhead the biodiversity conference, joins the show to discuss concerns about species and habitat loss along the Caloosahatchee River up to Lake Okeechobee.

Matthew Smith is a reporter and producer of WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live.
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