50 Species a Day

Jodi Sharp

2011

Mixed Media

11' 9" x 23"

50 Species a Day is a project that discusses species extinction due to habitation loss. According to the biologist Professor Norman Myers, we are witnessing the opening phase of a mass extinction of species, one of only six such events in Earth's history. Myers estimates the rate of species extinction at 50 species per day, compared to the "natural" extinction rate of one species every 3-5 years. This is mainly due to habitation loss caused by the continued desire for more resources. *

This article brings up the idea that the reason we allow for this destruction is because we as human beings feel that we own and are in control of nature, and therefore can do with it what we will. This piece is a response that discusses our priorates as a race, and what we deem to be important.

Although these statistics may seem overwhelming, there continues to be agreement that something can be done, if we act now. In this exhibit brings up the question of why the overuse of resources should be more important to us than protecting the beauty and individuality around us, along with the realization that our choice affects the happenings of the world.

* "Mass extinction of species has begun" Macquarie University, February 23, 2006. Web. April 12, 2011 <physorg.com>