Humans represent a tiny fraction all life on Earth, but are responsible the destruction of 83 per cent of all wild mammals and half our plant life. This is the analysis of a new study the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. The ground-breaking report is the first investigation the weight of every class of creature and life form our planet. Lead researcher Professor Ron Milo explained what instigated the research. He said: "I was shocked to find there wasn't already a comprehensive, holistic estimate all the different components biomass." He hopes the study will provide, "a perspective the very dominant role that humanity now plays Earth".
There are 7.6 billion people Earth, but they represent just 0.01% all living things. Scientists say that is the same percentage as termites. However, since we began walking this planet, we have managed to cause the loss most of its living species. Humans have also greatly changed the ratios livestock to wild animals. Today, farmed poultry (mostly chickens) makes 70% of all birds on the planet, with just 30% of birds being wild. Similarly, 60% of all mammals Earth are livestock (mostly cattle and pigs), while just 4% are wild animals. Professor Milo hopes people will use his study, "as part their world view [and] how they consume" He said he hopes people will eat less meat.
