A third of U.S. wildlife faces extinction threats, mirroring global trends. O'Mara's revelation prompts reflection on the profound repercussions of biodiversity loss. Does his call to protect 30% of the planet by 2030 inspire meaningful action against biodiversity loss?
Dear Food People,
In the midst of this global wildlife crisis, it's not just a few species that are at risk; we are looking at potentially over a million species teetering on the edge, according to Collin O'Mara, CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. And here's a startling fact: a third of U.S. wildlife is in serious trouble. Despite all the promises from stakeholders to protect our furry and feathery friends, there's a big gap between what they say and what is actually done.
O'Mara's wake-up call forces us to think about what it means to lose so many different kinds of life on Earth. Stakeholders and international agreements often discuss the importance of protecting wildlife, but actions speak louder than words. We need them to take more action. O'Mara says it's up to us, the public, to make sure they follow through on their promises.
It has been more than 18 months since COP15, the U.N. Biodiversity Conference, happened in December 2022. They made a big promise: protect 30% of the planet by 2030. This deal wasn’t just a casual agreement, either. It came after intense negotiations in Montreal, where countries adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This framework isn’t just about setting targets; it’s about taking action to prevent human activities from pushing species into extinction, preserving the diversity of life on Earth, and ensuring that we use our planet’s resources sustainably and fairly.
So, how does this framework plan to tackle the problem? It zeroes in on the main threats to biodiversity, like destroying habitats, overusing species, pollution, and climate change. But it doesn't stop there. It also looks at the bigger picture issues, such as how we produce and consume things, political challenges, and the need for enough money and solid plans to make this all work. The "30 by 30" goal is something concrete for governments, businesses, and communities to aim for together.
Understanding ecosystems is key to understanding why this is so critical. Ecosystems are complex networks of plants and animals. If one species starts to disappear, it can have a domino effect on others. Climate change is throwing these systems out of balance, leading to outcomes we might not even see coming. For instance, if bees—key pollinators for many plants, including crops humans rely on—start to disappear, it's not just a bee problem. It impacts the entire chain of life, from plants that do not get pollinated to animals (including us) that rely on those plants for food. Now, throw climate change into the mix, upsetting these systems in ways we might not even predict, and you can see why getting this right matters so much.
Connecting protected areas is another crucial aspect. Without this, small, isolated spots of nature can't support species over the long haul, putting them at risk of extinction. The framework is all about setting up ecological corridors and networks to help species move and mix genetically.
But here's the thing: saving habitats and tackling invasive species is about more than just throwing money at the problem. It requires solid policies, community involvement, and countries working together. There's a concern, mentioned by O'Mara, that conservation could slide down the priority list during tough economic times. We must maintain pressure to ensure the fulfilment of these promises.
What can we do as individuals? It starts with being aware and spreading the word. But we've also got to get stuck in—support eco-friendly businesses, push for changes in policies, and make choices in our daily lives that lessen our impact on the planet. O'Mara is pushing to make the conversation about biodiversity something everyone can get into and understand, which means talking about it in ways that appeal to a wide audience.
The bottom line is that the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework lays out a clear roadmap, but getting there is up to all of us. Through the choices we make, how we speak up, and the pressure we put on the powers-that-be, we've got a shot at making our world a place that's bursting with life and diversity. It's a lofty goal, but think about the difference we could make if we all pitched in.
It's time to step up and take action before it's too late. If you are curious, which animals could go extinct by 2050? Read more here from this article: https://www.livescience.com/which-animals-might-go-extinct-by-2050.
And hey, if you have any insights or suggestions regarding how we can address environmental or food sustainability concerns, or if there's a specific topic, you'd like us to explore in our next issue, drop us a message at dearfoodpeople.com.
Further Reading:
National Agricultural Library - USDA. (n.d.). Sustainable Agriculture. Available at: https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/sustainable-agriculture
Union of Concerned Scientists. (2024). What Is Sustainable Agriculture? Available at: https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/what-sustainable-agriculture
Doctor of Plant Health. (n.d.). Sustainable Agriculture Sources. Available at: https://dph.unl.edu/sustainable-agriculture-sources
Future Farmers of America (FFA). (n.d.). 8 Ways to Be the Environment-Friendly Farm. Available at: https://www.ffa.org/the-feed/8-ways-to-be-the-environment-friendly-farm/
USA SHADE. (n.d.). How To Be An Ecofriendly Farm. Available at: https://www.usa-shade.com/blog/how-to-be-an-eco-friendly-farm/
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