An extinction or biotic crisis is a widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth. Such an event is identified by a sharp change in the abundance of multicellular organisms. Most biologists agree there have been five mass extinction events in history, with the most well-known occurring 66 million years ago, when the dinosaurs were wiped out by an asteroid.

However, Professor Katrin Meissner, Director of the Climate Research Centre, in Australia, believes we are deep in the sixth, and it may be too late to turn back. Speaking during Amazon Primes “The Next Great Extinction Event” last year, she explained how the planet will be affected. She said: “For humans, I think we are very vulnerable right now and there’s a lot of humans on this Earth. “We all depend on a few, several belts, a few regions that produce most of our food.

A scientist has warned we could be facing the end of the world

The dinosaurs is the most well-known extinction event

We're in a period of mass extinction Katrin Meissner

“We depend on water. “With changing climates, preoccupation patterns will change and temperature will, of course, change. “These structures put in place over the last 20 years, will they work? I think that’s highly questionable.” Dr Meissner claimed we may be able to slow the process, but potentially it is too late to stop the inevitable. She added: “On top of that, we will see sea levels rise and all these things will still happen if we stop emitting right now. JUST IN: Life on Mars: Martian salt deposits ‘hold clue’ to ancient water source

Dr Meissne thinks it may be too late to turn back

“But that will maybe be easier to deal with the consequences the sooner we stop. “It might just be too late at one point. “And that could be some point very soon.” Dr Meissner rounded off her argument by reiterating her point. She continued: “Changes in our oceans such as releasing toxins and plastics can have dire consequences. “Again, I’m not a biologist, but in my opinion, I think we are in a period of mass extinction. DON'T MISS

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“It’s not the normal background extinction rate, the fact that every one of us has seen many species going extinct during our lifetimes. “That really shouldn’t be the case, so yes, I would say so.” However, the planet’s fate may be sealed much sooner, if precaution is not taken. The ESA has warned of a “mountain in the sky” asteroid which is plunging towards the Blue Planet. Didymos 65803 is a binary asteroid which has been classified as a potential hazard by NASA – meaning it could crash into Earth in the future.

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