Let's Talk Extinction, Baby!

Greetings Toasted community!

We hope this newsletter finds you well, and if it doesn't, well, just blame climate change. Kidding, but not really.

Speaking of things that are disappearing faster than our ice caps, let's talk about biodiversity loss. Did you know that around one million species are at risk of extinction, many within decades? That's a pretty staggering number, and it's not getting any smaller.

Today we were inspired by Esther Marijnen’s experiences on wildlife extinction narratives at the Brusells Train Museum. Here is what they tweeted (make sure to go through the entire thread!):

And we completely agree with Esther!

It's important to acknowledge that we are living in a time of unprecedented biodiversity loss and species extinction. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), around one million species are at risk of extinction, many within decades.

To raise awareness about this critical issue, it's crucial to communicate the reality of extinction in various public spaces, including schools, museums, zoos, and other educational institutions. However, we must ensure that the messages we convey are based on actual facts and not sensationalized.

It is troubling that such errors were included in an exhibition that aims to educate the public about extinction and biodiversity loss. This misinformation can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reproduce colonial and racist attitudes towards local communities that have coexisted with these animals for centuries.

Sensationalizing extinction narratives may generate short-term attention, but it can also be counterproductive in the long run. It can trigger fear and hopelessness, leading to a sense of disempowerment and inaction. Instead, it's essential to communicate the facts accurately and emphasize the urgency of taking concrete steps to prevent further biodiversity loss.

That’s all for today folks, make sure to check out Esther’s amazing work here

As always, if you have any suggestions or feedback for Toasted, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Stay positive, stay climate-conscious!