15,000 Scientists endorse Nature Canada’s Strategic Plan (more or less)
Jill Sturdy, NatureHood Program Manager
Earlier this week, over 15,000 scientists issued a “Warning to Humanity” in an effort to raise the alarm of increased environmental destruction of the planet, and what we can do about it.
Published in the scientific journal BioScience, the scientists led by William Ripple revisited the 1992 “Warning to Humanity” and collected data and identified trends over the past 25 years. The story is bleak. Most of the environmental indicators measured in 1992 have gotten worse, and globally humanity has failed to curb environmental destruction from increased deforestation, rising GHGs from burning fossil fuels leading to climate change, unsustainable fisheries, mass extinction of species, and uncontrolled population growth.
But…All is not lost. There is still hope.
In their “Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice”; the scientists cite actions humanity can take to help offset environmental destruction including three key areas Nature Canada is actively working on:
- Protect large intact ecosystems on land and ocean;
- Maintain nature’s ecosystem services by halting the conversion of forests and grasslands; and
- Promote outdoor environmental education for children, and overall engagement in nature.
Canada has an incredible opportunity to be a leader in global biodiversity and nature protection. Nature is part of our core and Canadian identity. We are so fortunate to have access to nature all around us. We need to ensure our children get the same opportunities to explore in nature so they grow up to be future nature advocates.
At the same time, the federal government has committed to an international target of protecting at least 17% of our lands and 10% of our ocean by 2020, and politicians need to be held to the fire to meet these critical targets.
Let’s take this warning as a challenge to be better stewards of the planet and to act more sustainably.
What can you do:
- Get outside! Take your kids out into nature on a daily basis. You don’t need to go far to explore nature. Learn more about Nature Canada’s NatureHood program on ways you can connect to Nearby Nature;
- Talk to your local Member of Parliament about nature conservation and your desire to see more biodiversity protected;
- Learn more about what Nature Canada is doing to push the federal government to meet its targets for increased protection; and
- Donate to Nature Canada and help us continue to be a strong voice for Nature.
