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If a species of bee disappears forever or a particular plant is extinct, what does it have to do with us humans? Well, according to a team of international scientists, biodiversity is dropping below levels considered safe for the wellbeing of human societies.The issue is that everything is intercomnected and ecosystems support our societies because they provide us with, for example, food, fibres and fuels.If species go on disappearing, this can interfere with vital processes such as crop pollination and the decomposition of waste.A framework which defines the environmental limits within which humans can operate – called planetary boundaries - says that losing more than 10% of the biodiversity in an area places the local ecosystem at risk. Ecosystems are all different but this percentage is considered a good measure of safety.A study published in the magazine Science suggests that 58% of the world's land surface already falls below this level. These areas house 71% of the global population.Professor Andy Purvis, from Imperial College London and the Natural History Museum, is one of the authors of the study. He says: "Once we're the wrong side of the boundary it doesn't mean everything goes wrong immediately, but there is a markedly higher risk that things will go badly wrong."The researchers found that grasslands, savannas and shrub lands were most affected by biodiversity loss on average.Purvis hopes this report can be a wake-up call to those who design policies. Here's his warning: "Decision-makers worry a lot about economic recessions, but an ecological recession could have even worse consequences – and the biodiversity damage we've had means we're at risk of that happening. Until unless we can bring biodiversity back up, we're playing ecological roulette."词汇表species （动植物的）种，物种extinct 消失的，灭绝的biodiversity 生物多样性interconnected （两个或多个事物）互相联系的ecosystem 生态系统interfere 影响pollination 植物授粉decomposition 分解framework 框架，体系planetary boundaries 地球界限（概念）land surface 大地表面Natural History Museum 自然历史博物馆grassland 草原，草场savanna 稀树草原shrub land 灌木丛decision-maker 决策者ecological recession 生物衰退ecological roulette 生态轮盘赌Britain is on the go-to list for tourists worldwide but, with the value of the poundreaching historic lows after the Brexit vote, a visit has became more timely. The summer is a great time to be in Britain. The British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Tate Gallery are all a must-see for everybody who comes to the country, but there's also a lot of interesting things to do for those who love the outdoors.The Notting Hill Carnival changes the face of the famous London borough in the last weekend of August. It's the largest street festival in Europe. First held in 1964, it's a celebration of Caribbean culture but now includes Brazilians, Africans, Europeans and anybody else who likes to dress colourfully and feels the urge to dance to the sound of a beat.With its popularity growing it's estimated that 50,000 performers will take part in the parade, attracting more than 1 million people over the weekend. Outside the capital there's also plenty to do. Early in August there's the Robin Hood Festival in Sherwood Forest Country Park, Nottinghamshire. The legendary characters of books and movies – Robin Hood and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham - can be found there amid jousting tournaments and comedy acts. For those into nature, there's always the forest to enjoy.In mid-August, in Bristol, a city about 200km from London, the sky is filled with color during its annual balloon fiesta. If the weather is good, more than 100 hot air balloons rise up from the Fiesta's site in Ashton Court.Britain is full of traditions and sometimes just stopping at a country pub for a beer or having cream tea in a small tea room can make a moment special. Just be careful where you end up,though. Coaches full of sightseers went to the small village of Kiddlington early this month. As the visitors were taking pictures of the houses and entering private gardens, the locals were taking pictures of them. To this day, nobody knows what the tourists were doing there. Always be sure where you are, and learn enough English to ask for directions. Have a nice holiday!词汇表Brexit 英国脱离欧盟timely 适时的The British museum 大英博物馆must-see 必须要看的outdoors 户外，野外The Notting Hill Carnival 诺丁山狂欢节street festival 街头庆祝活动Caribbean 加勒比地区的urge 欲望，冲动popularity 受欢迎程度，人气Robin Hood Festival 罗宾汉节jousting tournament 马上长矛比赛comedy act 喜剧表演balloon 气球country pub 乡村酒吧cream tea 奶油茶点coach 长途客车sightseer 观光客，游客local 当地居民。