Scientists believe we have entered a sixth mass extinction event, calling for conservation and documentation of species before they are lost forever.

A research team from the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Biosciences Research Center is warning that the Sixth Mass Extinction—an extinction event predicted by scientists and largely driven by anthropogenic causes like rapid climate change—may have already begun. As Becky Ferreira writes in Vice, the team analyzed extinction data for mollusks, which the researchers argue provide a better random sample of biodiversity than vertebrates, which only make up 5 percent of animals.
The team is basing its conclusion on the rate of extinction, adding that the crisis is more severe on land than in the oceans. According to their analysis, between 7.5 and 13 percent of species have become extinct since 1500. A catastrophic extinction event is defined as a loss of 75 percent or more of species.
Robert Cowie, who leads the research team, says he feels "obligated to express opinions" due to the urgent nature of their findings. But Cowie admits that conservation efforts won't save every species, saying "We feel that the most important thing we can do for the future is to preserve as many of these species as possible in museums, so that in 200, 300, or 500 years from now, people will still be able to say this is what the Earth once had."
FULL STORY: Scientists Warn that Sixth Mass Extinction Has ‘Probably Started’

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie