Statement: UN sounds alarm on biodiversity loss; Trump administration hits the snooze button

Preventing the loss of species and habitats must guide future U.S. policy-making

Environment America

Statement: UN sounds alarm on biodiversity loss; Trump administration hits the snooze button 

Preventing the loss of species and habitats must guide future U.S. policy-making

WASHINGTON — The United Nations’ released its latest publication on species and habitat loss around the globe on Tuesday. Although the United States is not a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which publishes the periodic report, the key findings should serve as a roadmap for U.S. policy-making. 

In short, the U.N. report says we need to do much more to protect species and habitats. However, the Trump administration has continued its attacks on the Endangered Species Act; two proposals released this summer would weaken protections for threatened wildlife.

Steve Blackledge, senior director for Environment America’s conservation program, issued the following statement:  

“Overall, the outlook for wildlife and species across the globe is dire. According to the U.N., within decades, one million animal and plant species will face extinction.

“But even though the world’s biodiversity is disappearing at a shocking rate, instead of taking measures to reverse the extinction crisis, the Trump administration has proposed weakening the definition of habitat and limiting what actions can be taken on federal lands to protect endangered species. 

“We call on the administration to heed the U.N. reports and withdraw proposals to weaken the Endangered Species Act. 

“Additionally, we ask that U.S. companies take action based on the report. For example, Procter & Gamble must reduce its impact on the immense and biologically important boreal forest in Canada by making Charmin and Bounty from recycled paper or non-forest fibers. 

“Like the proverbial burning Rome, our endangered species are disappearing into ash. Governments and corporations alike must stop fiddling.” 

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Environment America is a national network of 29 state environmental groups. Our staff work together for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the United States put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. Environment America is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.