Final answer:
Contemporary fashion trends such as fast fashion, use of exotic animal skins, and microplastics from synthetic fabrics are current practices that pose a threat to the natural world, much like the beaver hat fad of the past.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contemporary fashions and fads can certainly have an impact on the natural world, just as the beaver hat fashion did in the past. Today, one major area of concern is the production of fast fashion, which contributes to pollution and waste. The textiles industry is known for being one of the largest polluters globally, often using harmful chemicals, consuming enormous quantities of water, and generating significant amounts of waste.
Another example is the popularity of exotic animal skins and furs in fashion. Despite increases in ethical standards and animal protection laws, there is still a market for clothing and accessories made from animals. This can lead to overhunting, poaching, and endangerment of species. Finally, microplastics from synthetic fabrics are another contemporary issue, where tiny particles of plastic from clothing end up in oceans and waterways, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems.