Earth Day 2019 – Protect Our Species!

 

In nature, nothing exists alone.

— Rachel Carson, 1962

 

I love traveling to different parts of the world to view wildlife.  Our planet is far more interesting because we share it with many other species of plant and animal.  That’s why this year’s Earth Day is so poignant. 

 

What is Earth Day?  Why should I care?

Earth Day began April 22, 1970, when millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative impacts of industrial development.

If you recall, the problems of the time were smog, pollution leading to developmental delays in children, the decline of biodiversity due to the heavy use of pesticides, and pollutants being dumped indiscriminately.

Surprisingly, things changed!  In July of that year, the United States created the Environmental Protection Agency, and Congress passed environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.

As a result, we don’t have lead in paint, we don’t have leaded gasoline, DDT is banned, and we can’t legally dump toxic waste in our backyards.  It’s also become culturally taboo to litter.

 

Still Work to be Done – Mass Extinctions

Today, we are much more aware of the impact people have on the environment.  And we’ve made great progress.  But there’s lots more to do.

The theme of this year’s Earth Day is “Protect our Species.”  Humans share this planet with more than 8.7 million species of plants and animals.  But we are experiencing a mass extinction.

This is the largest period of species extinction in the last 60 million years.  Normally, between one and five species will go extinct annually.  However, scientists estimate that we are now losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the normal rate, with multiple extinctions daily.  Multiple species will disappear before we learn about them or the benefits they bring to our planet.

That’s a dangerous way to live.  We know that habitat destruction, exploitation, and climate change are driving the loss of half of the world’s wild animal population.  These are things we humans can control!

The good news is that the rate of extinctions can still be slowed, and many of our declining, threatened, and endangered species can still recover if we work together.

 

Do Something, Say Something!

You can take small actions that have a big effect both locally and globally.  Commit to Earth-friendly acts, make more sustainable choices, reduce your carbon footprint, conserve energy and resources, and collaborate on environmental projects in your community.  Vote for leaders committed to protect peoples’ health and the environment.  And help educate and inspire others to protect our wild places.

Here are some ideas:

 

• Perform “Acts of Green” – Volunteer on community projects that protect/restore the environment.  Recently, I helped restore habitat for burrowing owls near my home.

 

• Stop using/reduce using pesticides – Protect the pollinators and other insects that are vital to our survival.

 

• Help end Plastic Pollution – Reduce your use of plastics.  Go reusable instead of disposable.  Recycle.

 

• Plant a tree or donate to plant a tree – Help reverse deforestation and habitat loss.

 

• Reduce your footprint – Try to use less energy and create less trash.  Include more plants in your diet and less meat.

 

Keep Loving our Wilderness

As people who love bushcraft and other outdoor activities, we are more in touch with nature than our city-dwelling brethren.  So it’s up to us to look out for our wild places and to help educate others to protect them.

Enjoy your upcoming summer trips.  And think about what you can do to help.

 

Related Earth Day Articles on NatureOutside

Earth Day – Be an Outdoor Hero!

Two Terrific Earth Day Projects for Hikers and Backpackers

An Earth Day Message

 

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