Starting off the new year

How is 2020 looking for biodiversity? In Australia, native animals have had their habitat decimated by fires, with predictions that several species will be pushed to extinction. In China, the Chinese Paddlefish is officially extinct, a result of over-fishing and dam construction.

On January 13, the United Nations released its biological diversity framework to protect ecosystems and avoid further species loss, calling for “urgent action,” including the safeguarding of 30% of all land and sea as protected areas. It’s not enough to wait for world leaders to do something. Each of us can take urgent action to protect biodiversity, starting by making our next meal vegan.

Scientists at Florida International University have found that “livestock production is the single largest driver of habitat loss, and both livestock and feedstock production are increasing in developing tropical countries where the majority of biological diversity resides.” When researchers studied ways to meet the projected global food demand in 2050 while also preserving forests, the conclusion was clear: We need to go vegan.

Let’s feed two birds with one scone: Go vegan, and you’ll not only help save the habitat of endangered species, you will also help prevent the needless suffering and deaths of billions of other animals. For a free vegan starter kit, go to www.PETA.org.

— Jessica Bellamy, The PETA

Foundation

Scientists at Florida International University have found that “livestock production is the single largest driver of habitat loss.