Animals and us

December 28th marked the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, a law enacted for the protection and conservation of at-risk wildlife, fish, plants, and habitats. This anniversary not only serves as an opportunity to celebrate our animals and nature, but also acts as a reminder that our planet is fragile,and we must protect it.

In the last 50 years, animal populations have decreased by nearly 70% due to human actions, with more than 1,600 Endangered Species in the U.S. alone. This issue is not only a risk to the plants and animals, but also to humans, as all species are part of balancing our ecosystem and could have a ripple effect potentiallyharming humanity.

Through the ESA’s protection, iconic species in Pennsylvania like the bald eagle, osprey, and peregrine falcon have been helped.

This new year, I challenge you to make small actions such as shopping locally and sustainably, building a native garden or planting potted flowers to feed pollinators, reducing or eliminating wildlife animal products from your diet (as critical habitat is destroyed to make land space for animal agriculture), and educating others on the importance of protecting endangeredspecies.

It’s time to transform our relationship with nature and animals. Every time a species goes extinct, there are consequences on our planet. All animals and nature play a key role in preserving the balance of our ecosystems, once we acknowledge that we can begin to heal our planet.

NATALIA ROSARIO ZAPATA Humane Action Pittsburgh