Planetary Health News | Climate Change | Health of People and Planet
My Say: The climate emergency calls for real actors
Change is possible, champion it now
Last week, in part 1 of this two-part article to mark World Environment Day, I set out how human beings have become the most consequential presence on Earth. Unlike mass extinction events of the past, the stage for the rapid decline of our biodiversity and species loss has been set by only one actor: man.
I also raised the issue of Planetary Health, reminding us of the interconnectedness between the planet’s health and our well-being.
As the source of the planet’s degradation, we must become its force for change. There are small and big roles we can play to prevent further degradation, or even undo damage done, with economic benefits folded in.
For instance, conservationists believe that restoring just 15% of converted lands while stopping further conversion of natural ecosystems can prevent 60% of expected species extinction.
Vietnam’s Mangrove Plantation and Disaster Risk Reduction Project, initiated by the Red Cross in 1999, perfectly exemplifies the value of restoring converted lands.
With over 3,260 kilometres of coastlines, Vietnam’s coastal communities are vulnerable to floods, storms and droughts, facing an average of six to eight typhoons annually.
Read more here.
Last week, in part 1 of this two-part article to mark World Environment Day, I set out how human beings have become the most consequential presence on Earth. Unlike mass extinction events of the past, the stage for the rapid decline of our biodiversity and species loss has been set by only one actor: man.
I also raised the issue of Planetary Health, reminding us of the interconnectedness between the planet’s health and our well-being.
As the source of the planet’s degradation, we must become its force for change. There are small and big roles we can play to prevent further degradation, or even undo damage done, with economic benefits folded in.
For instance, conservationists believe that restoring just 15% of converted lands while stopping further conversion of natural ecosystems can prevent 60% of expected species extinction.
Vietnam’s Mangrove Plantation and Disaster Risk Reduction Project, initiated by the Red Cross in 1999, perfectly exemplifies the value of restoring converted lands.
With over 3,260 kilometres of coastlines, Vietnam’s coastal communities are vulnerable to floods, storms and droughts, facing an average of six to eight typhoons annually.
Read more here.
