There is no doubt that the climate emergency we find ourselves in is a grave situation. But in order to make progress and become better guardians of our planet, we must review the steps we have already taken and begin to fill in the gaps.
I believe, that looking back upon progress made, offers a sense of perspective and, in some circumstances where success has occurred, an affirmation of being on the right track.
My intention is not to push false positivity (we can all agree there is far too much of that at the moment), but we can be optimistic and we can certainly put in one hell of an effort.
So what exactly has been achieved of late that we can feel pleased about?
While the global pandemic is a stark reminder of our considerably toxic relationship with the environment, there have been many environmental benefits as a consequence of the national lockdowns. Dubbed the ANTHROPAUSE by scientists, a much needed reprieve was sought by nature. Wildlife basked in the glory of quieter roads, skies and oceans. Parts of India even reported sightings of that old mountain range, the Himalayas, for the first time in decades!
Perhaps one of the most important features of lockdown, has been the human reconnection (or indeed first-time connection for some) with nature. Nature was there as a constant for people when they needed it most. Birds were singing louder, flowers were blooming brighter and albeit for a brief moment, the skies were actually clearer. Citizen science projects have seen increases in volunteers, applications for allotments have gone through the roof and I now don’t know anyone who isn’t a houseplant-parent!
Furthermore, the global wildlife trade has been plunged into the spotlight making way for extra protections to be afforded to some species. Pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammal, received higher protection levels in China in 2020; a move that will hopefully prevent consumer loopholes from exploiting the species. Interpol and the World Customs Organisation recovered 1700 Pangolins, 1800 reptiles and upwards of 30 Chimpanzees in a crackdown operation aptly named “Operation Thunder 2020. While, there is much work to do in combatting the (very much still alive) illegal wildlife trade, it’s refreshing to know that resources are being allocated and results are being had.
It’s not just the illegal wildlife trade being cracked down on. Remember that weird time in March when everyone took to Netflix to binge “Tiger King,” prompting a deluge of related memes to be dispersed across the internet? It looks like problematic private zoos have also had their time. Joe Exotic was sentenced to a 22-year prison sentence for crimes including the killing and illegal sale of tigers. Other private zoo owners featured in Netflix shows have also faced legal troubles, with some losing their licences.
Also facing the heat, are big time investors. A report on Wall Street investors published in February 2020, suggested that over 400 of interviewed investors were factoring in climate risks to their financial decisions. It seems there could even be a climate investing trend bubbling among the rich and elite. Things are certainly looking more positive in the way of investment transparency, with many companies increasingly facing pressure to disclose their investment details.
Importantly, the conversation around diversity in conservation has been started. In the summer of 2020, the first ever Black Birders Week took place including five days of virtual events aimed at boosting the visibility of Black scientists and nature enthusiasts. We certainly have a long way to go in educating and improving inclusivity in conservation, but it is without a doubt, of utmost importance in making real change in the world.
As it becomes harder to ignore climate issues (likely due to the fact that we are living through a global pandemic largely caused by our relationship with the natural world), it appears that environmental awareness is on the up. I met a fellow ecologist recently, who previously taught environmental sciences at a college. She spoke of how the students were so much more aware, than she had ever been at their age, of impending environmental issues. I do think there is something to be said for that; the new generation has quite literally been born into a climate emergency after all!
News sources have started to revamp their reporting as they incorporate environmental sections (yes, whole sections!) into their portfolios. In 2020, the Guardian announced they would stop accepting advertising from fossil fuel extractive companies. The paper also now has a section dedicated the investigation of environmental injustice, a topic I hope to delve into myself as I learn to become a better ally to those without equal access to the environment.
Species wise, there are some recent positives that show all hope is not lost for reintroductions. Australia has seen the return of the Tasmanian Devil, previously absent for 3000 years, after being over-hunted. Restricted to Tasmania, the devil population dropped in the 1990s, likely due to the spread of a contagious mouth cancer. In 2020, just over 2 dozen devils were released into a thousand-acre wildlife sanctuary. Not only is this a heart-warming story of hope, but a very important one. Tasmanian Devils are scavengers, playing a crucial role in ecosystem processes. It is hoped that their newly reintroduced population, can help to restore some balance in areas where invasive species have ravaged.
Here in the UK, the reintroduction of the Manchester Argus butterfly to the Astley Moss Peatlands is eagerly awaiting spring results. Missing from the area for 50 years, nearly 50 eggs were released in the summer. The Great Manchester Wetlands Partnership are eagerly awaiting the hatching of these eggs this spring.
In times of such doom and gloom, its easy to forget that organisms are ever-changing and evolving. Five new bird species and five sub-species were discovered during an expedition to the Wallacean islands (Taliabu, Peleng and Batudaka).
In other news, we’ve made some big steps towards starting to ditch single use plastics (consider the war on plastic very much on!) and demand for more eco-friendly products is driving up choice.
There are obviously a lot of gaps and failures in our conservation efforts, but with consistency and persistency, we can move forward and make positive changes towards a sustainable future.