“Functionally Extinct” – November 27, 2019

The last few weeks have taken a toll in Australia, as fires have ravaged the land. You may have seen articles in the news that went viral recently – stating that koalas have become “functionally extinct.” There is no doubt that what has happened in Australia is terrible. My heart goes out to the koalas! But we need to be careful about facts and over exaggeration. As a scientist, I have been taught to be objective – to weigh the evidence, to be skeptical – always. If people are to trust us as scientists, then this is absolutely crucial! Making big claims such as “functionally extinct” for koalas, as well as using a sick or injured polar bear as the “poster child” for climate change is misleading (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/…/explore-through-the-l…/ ). Kudos to National Geographic for eventually owning up to it.