Organisms all around us — not only in the Amazon, but also in our own backyards -- are facing extinction.  One out of every four species on Earth may face extinction during the first half of the next century, and as many as two out of three by its conclusion. Yet the diverse organisms on Earth protect our soils and waters, provide all of our food, most of our medicines -- and we are just starting to learn how to use them in new and unanticipated ways. The shape of the future -- how we live, what our opportunities may be -- depends on the actions we take now. From the Series:Distinguished Leaders in Science