Global Q&A: ‘Would it matter if giant Pandas became extinct?’

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Silvia Lindsay, 31, University Environment Program Coordinator

Every single species has a role in the ecosystem. They have evolved for millions of years to become what they are nowadays, and they are an indispensable part of the habitat where they live. If pandas become extinct, it will be a huge loss for humanity, as the biodiversity in the planet will be reduced. And the extinction of pandas will bring other negative consequences to the habitat where they live as everything in nature is interconnected: Once you break the equilibrium the consequences are unknown.

Montreal, Canada (visiting New York)

Max Ohayon, 41, Teacher

I think it would for sure, because I’m sure they have some kind of role in the ecological chain, the food chain, so probably somewhere there would be some kind of gap and it would probably impact other living things.

Kiels Mountain, Australia

Scott Patterson, 49, Kahuna Massage Therapist

Yes, I think it would matter if the giant pandas became extinct. A similar analogy would be the importance that is placed worldwide by the scientific community on indigenous language and the loss and the value of the individual tribal language being lost and the loss that that is. And I see a similarity between losing species in the same manner that they have an importance, and a value, and a gift to bring mankind. If we can be the stewards that we should be, work toward that ideal in a stronger more serious intent, then there’s a lot to gain.

Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Natália Bressan Grandino, 20, Trainee Secretary

Yes, it matters. The extinction of any living being will interfere with the flora and fauna of a region; will affect the food chain. If it was a scorpion, maybe people would think it would be okay to be extinguished, because it is a poisonous animal. But I do not think so. I think every animal, if it exists, is important. Man has no right to interfere in the life of a species.

Cartagena, Colombia

Jorge Eliecer Correa Castellar, 46, Hotel Manager and Tourism. Tour Guide

Any endangered species is not only a concern for ecologists and environment protectors; it is also for the whole planet. With the indiscriminate hunt of these species, and the undue exploitation of natural resources, the ecological balance is being broken. There are hundreds of endangered species like the panda, but pitifully it is man who is more responsible to these predatory processes. With the progressive deterioration of the ecosystems these beautiful bears that experience difficulties to reproduce are threatened.

Tranås, Sweden

Camilla Norman, 23, Facilitator

I have never seen one in person, but of course it would matter. They are really cute!

New York, USA

Mahnaz Damania, 26, Acting Student

Yes it would matter because among all the other species that are going extinct, if we do realize that one of them is slowly dying out and if we can try and make a change to preserve the species then we should definitely do that. I feel like no given species is brought onto the earth in order to become extinct … 

Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “What is your life philosophy?”