Plant extinction

Nature

Plant extinction refers to the permanent loss of plant species from Earth, often caused by habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation. This problem threatens global biodiversity, disrupts ecosystems, and undermines essential services such as food production, medicine, and climate regulation. The extinction of plants can lead to cascading effects on animal species and human societies that depend on them. Current extinction rates are significantly higher than natural background levels, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect plant diversity and maintain ecological balance for future generations.

Background

Declaring a plant extinct is challenging, simply because they are often very difficult to spot, and there can be no certainty that these are the last living individuals. Indeed, a recent report found 431 plant species previously thought to be extinct have been rediscovered. So, real plant extinction rates and future extinctions are likely to far exceed current estimates.

Incidence

Plant extinction is a growing global crisis, with the 2020 State of the World’s Plants and Fungi report estimating that two in five plant species are at risk of extinction. Human-driven habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species have accelerated the disappearance of unique flora, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem stability on every continent. The loss of plant species undermines food security, medicine, and livelihoods worldwide.
In 2021, the Chile sandalwood (Santalum fernandezianum), once native to the Juan Fernández Islands, was officially declared extinct by the IUCN. Overharvesting and habitat destruction led to its disappearance, highlighting the vulnerability of island endemics.

Claim

Plant extinction is a critical crisis that threatens the very foundation of life on Earth. Losing plant species destroys ecosystems, endangers food security, and accelerates climate change. Ignoring this issue is reckless and short-sighted; every lost plant is a lost opportunity for medicine, nutrition, and environmental stability. We must act urgently to protect plant diversity—our survival and the planet’s health depend on it. Plant extinction is not just a problem; it’s an emergency.

Counter-claim

Plant extinction is not an important problem at all. Nature has always adapted, and new species will inevitably replace those that disappear. Human progress and development matter far more than worrying about a few lost plants. Resources should be focused on issues that directly impact people, not on preserving every single plant species. The world will continue to thrive, with or without certain plants, so plant extinction is simply not a pressing concern.