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Biodiversity

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It is necessary for life to thrive on Earth.

Aldo Leopold, one of the great thinkers of conservation, observed more than half a century ago the importance of protecting species. "To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering," he wrote. Losing species is like throwing away one by one the engine parts of an airplane while flying.

Biodiversity is a major initiative of Conservation International.

Biodiversity conservation provides substantial benefits to meet immediate human needs, such as those for clean, consistent water flows; protection from floods and storms; and a stable climate. 

Curated by mokiethecat

Power transmission lines damaging sacred sites and San Pedro River
February 29, 2024

The Center for Biological Diversity, a Tucson-based nonprofit, advocates for green energy that respects biodiversity and Indigenous cultures. February 2024 brought key victories in Arizona. An injunction was filed with the Tohono O’odham Nation and San Carlos Apache Tribe to halt wind-power transmission lines damaging sacred sites and the San Pedro River. More: Twitter, ENR.

A significant win with Navajo allies, backed by 7,000 supporters, stopped Black Mesa hydropower projects threatening aquifers, prehistoric sites, and wildlife. This established a nationwide policy granting Tribes veto power over permits on their land. Details: Inside Climate News. As the Center's Russ McSpadden noted, "industrial energy plans are just greenwashing" without community consent.