PROTECTING OUR PLANET

PROTECTING

OUR PLANET

By: Natalia Binkowski

In

the midst of the pandemic and everything else going on in the world, I decided to bring you some positive environmental news via this article. For some background, scientists have continued to tell us that “stabilizing the climate will require protecting at least 30 percent of the planet by 2030” (Flick). This includes fresh water, clean air, and food supply. We have to do this within this decade, or else the problem could become a lot worse. Currently, “roughly 15% of the world’s land and 7% of the ocean has some degree of p r ot ect i o n ”, which is simply not e n o u g h (Campaign for Nature). We need to protect a much larger portion of our earth in order to see major differences that will benefit not only Mother Nature, but future generations as well.

In May of this year, “a California state bill proposing the creation of a state 30x30 policy” was brought forward (Flick). This would protect the biodiversity in California, which includes many species of plants and animals. Right now, approximately 22% of the state’s land area and 16% of its coastal waters are p r o t e c t e d , which is a c t u a l l y q u i t e i m p r e s s i v e compared to other states

and places! On a global scale we have protected a total of 22% of the planet surface of the 30% required to satisfy the scientists. We are actually quite close to our goal. We need to all work as a collective to save our precious earth. To dive further into this good news, the governor of California, Gavin Newsom, “issued an executive order on Wednesday for his state to protect ‘30 by 30,’ conserving 30 percent of its land and coastal waters by 2030” (Blackledge). He wants the residents of California to take pride in the beautiful landscapes and to take action to protect them. The governor also said that “by conserving C a l i f o r n i a ’ s e c o s y s t e m s , f u t u r e generations will be able to appreciate the towering redwoods, the expansive deserts and the iconic animals that call our forests, deserts, grasslands and coastal waters their home” (Blackledge). Protecting the important habitats in California is a huge step that hopefully more of the United States will follow soon. It is great news that California took action, but it will be even better if more places decide to adapt to this progressive mode of action too. We need to protect more of our beautiful lands–not only in the United States, but also around the world. Once we take the initiative to save our planet, at individual and federal levels, we will see a much greener planet that will lead to happier and healthier people!

Works Cited

Blackledge, Steve. "California Moves to 'build on Legacy of Open Space'." California Moves to 'build on Legacy of Open Space' | Environment America. 07 Oct. 2020. Web. 24 Oct. 2020.

Flick, Pamela. "Protecting 30% of California by 2030." Defenders of Wildlife. Web. 24 Oct. 2020.

November 18, 2010 Joel Reynolds. "Preserving California's Holy Grail at Tejon Ranch." NRDC. 15 Dec. 2016. Web. 24 Oct. 2020.

"Programs: National Conservation Lands." 14 Apr. 2020. Web. 24 Oct. 2020.

"Protecting 30% of the Planet for Nature: Economic Analysis." Campaign for Nature. Web. 24 Oct. 2020.