About this episode

Chris discusses the implications of Earth's potential sixth mass extinction and the importance of combining science with storytelling in conservation efforts.

Chris recounts how reading a scientific review paper titled “Has the Earth’s sixth mass extinction already arrived?” shifted his career from domestic animal reproduction research at the University of Florida to wildlife conservation and inspired his podcast, emphasizing that science alone isn’t enough without stories. Chris explains mass extinctions are rare, only five in ~540 million years, and contrasts past causes (asteroids, volcanism, climate and ocean chemistry shifts) with today’s human-driven “death by a thousand cuts,” including habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. Chris argues extinction today is often subtle but highlights hope through global conservation efforts, citing northern white rhino embryo work, elephant corridor protection, and many individuals dedicating their lives to saving species. If you enjoy these episodes, you'll love our new Substack. Each week, I dive deeper into the stories behind the podcast, sharing personal experiences from my years in wildlife conservation, reflections on the science, and the remarkable people working to protect our planet. Read the latest essays here…

People in this episode

Host: Chris

Topics covered

• mass extinction
• wildlife conservation
• human impact
• habitat loss
• climate change
• conservation efforts

Keywords

• mass extinction
• wildlife conservation
• habitat loss
• climate change
• northern white rhino
• elephant corridor
• overexploitation
• pollution

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Florida

Books & works: Has the Earth’s sixth mass extinction already arrived?

Places: northern white rhino, elephant corridor

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