New work, led by Professor Ron Milo, and published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” stated that the world’s population of 7.6 billion people represents just .01% of all living things.  Plants, on the other hand, make up 82% of all living matter and bacteria makes up 13% of all living matter.

Part of the problem lies with the way we eat.  Of all the mammals on Earth, 96% are livestock and humans, only 4% are wild mammals.  That means that tropical forests and wild spaces are disappearing, at great cost to everyone.

Despite these numbers, we have had a huge impact on the natural world and have been expert at exploiting the natural resources of the planet.  Since the rise of human civilization, 83% of wild mammals have been lost, 80% of marine mammals have been lost, 50% of plants have been lost and 15% of fish have been lost.  One way you can make a difference is by eating differently.  Your dietary choices have a tremendous effect on the habitats of plants and animals.  So, choose a tofu burger instead of that hamburger.  Or try a vegan hotdog instead of a regular one.  They are better for the planet, and your health.