Scientists say extinction rates could be tens or hundreds of times higher than they have been over the previous 10 million years. About 680 species have become extinct since about 1500, and as many as a million species of plants and animals are now at risk.

Losing animal and plant species is not a problem just for “nature lovers.” It’s potentially a problem for human well-being, the scientists say.

Biodiversity is essential if we are to have the food and water we need.

Everything in nature is interrelated, and the more we destroy the balance, the more we are likely to suffer.

Wetlands purify drinking water. Coral reefs are critical habitats for the fish we eat. Plants, especially tropical plants, produce life-saving medicines, including, no doubt, some we haven’t yet discovered. Domesticated animals and plants feed us, and we have fewer and fewer varieties of those. With less genetic diversity, there’s less resilience to disease. Increasing heat and drought will make things worse. Our food system will be endangered.

If we don’t take action.

All nations, especially developed nations, should work together to face this common threat. The United States, as both a major world power and a major polluter, should be a leader.