As a part of the Sierra Club’s efforts to protect 30% of our natural land by 2030 as a strategy in fighting the climate crisis, we will prioritize lands that are home to our most delicate wildlife and the resources they depend on. Protecting these places will not only protect wildlife, but it will help people by ensuring clean water, healthy air and more climate stability.
The climate and extinction crises are inextricably linked. Climate isn’t just causing extreme shifts in weather, it’s causing entire eco- and wild systems to collapse. A recent report from the World Wildlife Fund indicated that in the last 40 years, wildlife population numbers have declined by 60% due to loss of habitat, climate change and other environmental factors.
Scientists warn of a mass extinction, where over a million species would die off if we don’t change the ways we are using the planet. But, we are working with broad coalitions to save our species from extinction.
We need to fully implement, not undermine, the Endangered Species Act and to protect habitat. We must prioritize safeguarding the lands and waters this wildlife depends upon. Protecting large blocks of land can not only mitigate the climate crisis, but also provide connected habitat for wildlife to thrive in a climate-changing world. To protect wild species-- the habitat they live and the climates they depend upon-- scientists say we must protect at least 30% of our lands by 2030.