Extinction and Renewal

Citing evidence that species are becoming extinct at a thousand times faster than the background rate, many argue the Sixth Great Mass Extinction is already upon us, and the first to be caused by a single species - humankind.  Others contend that at the current rate of 100 species a year, it would take a thousand years to lose just 1% of current species, and in the meantime the number of new species is continuing to grow, exceeding the number of species lost.  

Are we facing a profound crisis?  Do we need to radically change our behaviour and way of life to save the planet's animal life? Or are our conservation efforts proving effective, and is nature stronger than we imagine, and capable of creating entirely new life forms without our help?