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Biodiversity

About This Collection

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

Saving Life on Earth: Eating to Save the Planet
May 29, 2020
Agriculture is responsible for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with more than half of that coming from meat and dairy production. Our food system has an enormous effect on climate, habitat, water use, and wildlife. What we eat is a big part of our environmental footprints. It also influences what kinds of food are grown. Eating more plant-based foods and less meat can reduce diet-related greenhouse gas emissions, save land and water and help fight the extinction crisis. This week’s conversation will discuss our work to shift the way we eat toward sustainable, Earth-friendly diets. We’ll talk about our new research on the climate impact of American diets, what it will take to change the way we eat, how individual choices can influence food policy and why simply switching to grass-fed beef won’t solve the problem. The presentation will include the Center’s Jennifer Molidor, senior food campaigner; Stephanie Feldstein, population and sustainability director; and a vegan cooking demonstration from J.P. Rose, staff attorney.