Nature-Based and Natural Solutions
The Frog will explore The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions by Heidi Roop in the first 100 days of 2024
In the first `100 days of 2024 we will explore 100 climate solutions that may “empower you to evaluate, engage, and act” to address on-going climate change as an individual on your terms.
Earth Day 2024 is on April 22. To quote Gaylord Nelson, widely credited for being the catalyst for the first Earth Day in 1970, “Our goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty. The objective is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all other human beings and all other living creatures”.
As you contemplate what you can do on Earth Day 1970 which has become the largest secular day of protest in the world, here are some numbers.
75% the area of land on Earth that has been altered in some way
60% of terrestrial wildlife lost in the last 50 years
90% of big ocean fish lost in 100 years
87% of global wetlands have been lost
Only 8% of oceans are protected
Only 15% of land is protected
And here are two more – 30% of the planet protected by 2030. This is the 30 x 30 goal of the Campaign for Nature. The plan focuses on conserving the areas that are most important for biodiversity, in as many nations as will cooperate, with the hope of ensuring that 30% (up from 15% of land and 8% of oceans) are protected. This is an imperative made more complicated by a changing climate.
It is the right thing to do and makes sound financial sense as well, with economists reporting “that the additional protections would lead to an average of $250 billion in increased economic output annually and an average of $350 billion in improved ecosystem services annually compared with the status quo”.
One imperative is habitat connectivity. As the global climate changes, habitat is shifting and wildlife is on the move. Our fragmented conversion of land to suit our needs has created barriers to this movement. Establishing safe corridors through land management and planning can increase the probability that myriad species will be better able to adapt.
“Thoughtful, strategic conservation and restoration approaches need to consider the true diversity of needs, uses, and functions, of landscapes”
Heidi Roop
We all must consider how we interact with the landscape, and educate ourselves how that landscape will change in the coming years. For those of us who live in suburban areas, our options may be only to provide a landscape for native plants, birds, and pollinators.
We can support the organizations that are working for conservation and restoration, become a voice in your local and state government for habitat protection, and direct your investments for climate and conservation friendly financial impact.
And have a thoughtful Earth Day. Check out The 2024 Earth Day Action Toolkit.
“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”
Gaylord Nelson
Next Up: Climate Action in 2024 – Day 71: Go Green with Your Infrastructure
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