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...
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: https://substack.com/@cmortensen
Timeline
00:00 One Paper Changes Everything
03:17 What Mass Extinction Means
04:20 The Big Five Extinctions
08:08 Humans as a New Force
09:19 Are We in the Sixth
10:10 Background Rate Explained
12:51 Death by Thousand Cuts
15:01 Quiet Losses Up Close
18:23 Why I Stay Optimistic
21:56 Northern White Rhino Lifeline
24:41 Conservation That Cares
28:51 Hope Is Action
32:27 One Story Sparks Change
35:28 Stewards of the Planet
37:12 Final Call to Wonder
==
Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.
Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.
We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.
Please contact us at advertising@airwavemedia.com
if you would like to advertise on our podcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
