Let's Save More Nature Together

We are living with a biodiversity crisis that is linked to the ever-changing climate and vice versa; we can’t solve one without solving the other.

We don’t need a record breaking heatwave smothering half the country to remind us that climate change is an omnipresent crisis—we are living it daily. A recently leaked report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) spells out the even greater threats facing us in very stark terms, noting “Life on Earth can recover from a drastic climate shift by evolving into new species and creating new ecosystems. Humans cannot.”

We are also living with a biodiversity crisis that is linked to the ever-changing climate and vice versa; we can’t solve one without solving the other. Climate and biodiversity are inextricably linked, as another recent report out of the IPCC demonstrates

The good news is that we have the tools to address both our changing climate and the decline in biodiversity—and we need to work together now to use them all. The effort to protect 30 percent of our lands, inland waters and ocean areas by 2030—known as 30x30—will help save species and ecosystems as we mitigate and build resilience to climate change.

A new website documenting local conservation projects showcases examples of communities working together to save more nature. As people nationwide work to protect special places that support thriving biodiversity and help fight climate change we have a rare opportunity to build a more equitable, robust and resilient conservation movement. Following these key principles will help ensure that 30x30 efforts support biodiversity, elevate equity, and provide climate benefits:

  • Support locally led conservation
  • Work toward a more equitable and inclusive vision for nature conservation
  • Honor the sovereignty of tribal nations and Indigenous communities
  • Support private land conservation
  • Be guided by science

Working together we can accomplish far more than if we work alone. And the movement to protect more nature has strong support across party lines. Four out of five voters in the U.S. favor a plan to protect at least 30 percent of America’s land, ocean areas, and inland waters by the year 2030 because they understand it will improve our economy and our health. 

You can be part of the movement to help protect more nature—join us. We have known for many years, but it’s never been clearer than now, that in saving nature, we save ourselves.

 

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