Plant Life in Danger of Extinctions

     
I saw a fascinating program about an expedition by a chap working at Kew Gardens to Kenya. The purpose of the trip was to gather seeds. One of the rather gripping and concerning issues being raised was that it is estimated that 25 % of ALL plants on the planet are currently in danger of extinction. Whilst there is quite a high public awareness of endangered animals like the tiger or panda, not so many people are aware of the situation in the plant kingdom. In particular, seeds were being gathered from a variety of plants which had the capacity to withstand extreme temperatures,both hot and cold, as a preparation for the impact climate change could  have on plants upon which we currently now depend.  One example of this was in the gathering of seeds from a variety of wild rice.... thought was being given today as to how to avert possible future problems.

I found the fact about the expected extinctions a little shocking, but was encouraged by the practical preparations being made today in readiness for what the future might need.  As awareness of our changing times grows, it is just this conscious pioneering of the needs of tomorrow, that, to me, is a brilliant mind set to develop ..... rather than worry over much about the problems, seek to understand the situation as thoroughly as possible, and then volunteer to be part of the solution in whatever practical ways we can !!