Microbe extinction: Vital ecological elements in danger

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• April 18, 2023

The loss of microbes could have severe consequences for the earth’s ecosystems and negative impacts on human society. It is, therefore, important to take action to protect these vital organisms and ensure that their essential roles in the earth’s ecosystems are preserved.

Microbe extinction context

Microbes are tiny organisms that are essential for life on earth. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other single-celled microorganisms found everywhere, from the depths of the oceans to inside human bodies. These tiny creatures play a vital role in many essential processes, including the decomposition of organic matter, the production of food, and the regulation of the earth’s climate. 

One of the major drivers of microbe extinction is habitat destruction. Many microbes are found in specific environments, such as soil, water, or the human body. Human activities, such as farming, mining, and urbanization, are increasingly disrupting these environments. This disruption can lead to the loss of these essential habitats, leading to the extinction of the microbes that depend on them. 

Another major threat to microbes is pollution. Many microbes are susceptible to environmental changes and can be easily killed by toxic substances. For example, pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture can kill bacteria essential for decomposing organic matter. This development can have a knock-on effect on the ecosystem, as the loss of these bacteria can lead to the build-up of organic matter, which can negatively impact the environment.

Disruptive impact 

Given the lack of research in the field, many of the effects related to microbe extinction may not have been identified yet. What is certain is that the end of species, or even a decrease in numbers, will contribute to increasing carbon dioxide concentrations in the air as the soil loses its quality to sequester the gas. Additionally, the extinction of these microbes could impact the incidence and severity of certain diseases, as it could alter the balance of the microbial communities in the human body and the environment. Metabolic and immune disorders in humans may further increase as the microbiome within their bodies gets disturbed. 

Microbes are essential for decomposing organic matter, such as leaves, twigs, and other plant debris. This process is vital for recycling nutrients and helps maintain the balance of the earth’s ecosystems. Without these microbes, organic matter would build up and negatively impact the environment, such as reduced soil fertility and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Microbes are a vital part of the earth’s biodiversity, and their loss could have knock-on effects on other species. For example, the loss of microbes essential for the decomposition of organic matter could affect the availability of nutrients for other organisms, which could, in turn, affect their populations. 

Finally, microbes are also essential for food production. For example, bacteria are used to create fermented foods, such as yogurt and cheese, while yeast is used to make bread and beer. The loss of these microbes could lead to shortages and higher prices for these products.

Implications of microbe extinction

Wider implications of microbe extinction may include:

• Disruptions to the various ecosystems (such as wetlands and coral reefs) that provide important services to humans (such as water purification and coastal protection), leading to unpredictable side effects.
• Declining soil health, which could have long-term consequences for agriculture and other land-based industries.
• More investments into microbiology research and how it affects human bodies and ecosystems.
• The extinction of numerous microbe species that produce compounds with medicinal properties that are not found in other organisms. Their extinction could lead to the loss of potential sources of new drugs.
• Changes in atmospheric composition, which could increase carbon dioxide levels in the soil, oceans, and air.

Questions to consider

• Are there any steps individuals can take to help prevent the extinction of microbes? If so, what are they?
• Have you ever heard of any efforts to conserve or protect microbes? If so, what are they, and do you think they are effective?