Climate Action
The Evolving Challenges of Conservation
August 9, 2013
In an effort to preserve the immense biodiversity on our planet, conservation efforts have traditionally focused on individual species as part of a reactive approach to dwindling population numbers. However, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List Index shows that most of the species numbers are still declining, despite these targeted conservation efforts. Given this, conservationists and Earth Day Network are seeking new ways to solve this ongoing challenge in the face of new and evolving threats like climate change.
Jon Hoekstra, Chief Scientist and Vice President at World Wildlife Fund, talks about a “pivot” in which conservationists must rotate 180-degrees to “face the future.” Naturally, the world changes and progresses, and conservationists, like the rest of us, must anticipate how to meet future needs, rather than look backwards and consider past needs. Hoekstra argues that constructing a new conservation plan designed to reflect future challenges is more sustainable and mutually beneficial for both human and animal needs. For example, the creation of mosaic landscapes that provide food for people and habitable environments for plant and animal life, while at the same time combats climate change, is one possible proactive response conservationists might consider.