The symbol above represents extinction. The circle signifies the planet, while the hourglass inside serves as a warning that time is rapidly running out for many species. The world is currently undergoing a mass extinction event, and this symbol is intended to help raise awareness of the urgent need for change in order to address this crisis. Estimates are that somewhere between 30,000 and 140,000  species are becoming extinct every year in what scientists have named the Holocene, or Sixth Mass Extinction. This ongoing process of destruction is being caused by the impact of human activity. Such a catastrophic loss of biodiversity is highly likely to cause widespread ecosystem collapse and consequently render the planet uninhabitable for humans.  


In order to spread the message as widely as possible, please create this symbol in any location you feel able to. 






Large symbol to download and use freely for non-commercial purposes - Symbol
 





Stencil template of the symbol to download and use freely for non-commercial purposes - Stencil
   




SVG image of the symbol to download and use freely for non-commercial purposes - SVG

Join the flickr group and post examples of the symbol that you've created - flickr group

Follow on twitter - https://twitter.com/extinctsymbol




More information on the mass extinction currently taking place - http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/elements_of_biodiversity/extinction_crisis/























                                                                                                                                                                  






Please note: Since its inception
the extinction symbol has always been a strictly anti-consumerist project. No extinction symbol merchandise exists, and it never will do. The free use of the extinction symbol by individuals in their personal artwork or other forms of expression is strongly welcomed and encouraged, but any form of commercial use of the symbol is completely against its ethos and should therefore be refrained from. Please do not use the symbol on any items that will be sold or for fundraising purposes, nor to endorse any businesses or political organisations. This is an ecological symbol of peaceful resistance. It should definitely not be used for any purposes or ideologies associated with violence, or to promote nuclear energy, GMOs or suchlike, as these things are incompatible with the ethical values of the symbol. There are no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. 





The Extinction Symbol was created by London artist ESP in 2011.