Capilano Universe: Are We Causing the Sixth Mass Extinction Event?
Join CapU instructor Caroline Dingle for an eye-opening look at the “biodiversity crisis": what it is, why it matters and whether we’re truly facing a sixth mass extinction.
Have you heard about the ‘biodiversity crisis’ and wondered whether it could really be that bad? Some scientists argue that we are currently causing the 6th mass extinction event – similar in scale to the events that led to the end of dinosaurs on earth. Should we be worried? What really is the impact of the loss of some species?
We will discuss how biodiversity is essential for the systems that we depend on, including ecological and economic systems. We will also explore the evidence – how do we determine whether we are really in the middle of a mass extinction event? Does it matter? Ultimately, we will discuss some stories of hope which show us that it is not too late to change the future.
About the speaker
Caroline Dingle (PhD) is a biologist who has worked on biodiversity conservation for more than two decades. This work has taken her around the world from South America to Europe, Australia and Asia – and now back to North America. She is particularly interested in how human activities impact species both in wild and urban spaces. Currently an instructor in the Biology Department at Capilano University, Dingle is also a Co-coordinator of the new Environment and Society programs – both in North Vancouver and Squamish. She is a member of several IUCN Species Specialist groups working with international teams to facilitate conservation of species threatened by habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Her mission is to catalyze action through knowledge and hope.
Location: Squamish Public Library & virtual
This lecture is part of the 2025 free Capilano Universe Speaker Series, led by expert Capilano University instructors.