Home ScienceEnvironmental Science Protecting America’s Natural Heritage: The Urgent Need to Preserve 30% of Natural Land by 2030

Protecting America’s Natural Heritage: The Urgent Need to Preserve 30% of Natural Land by 2030

by Rosa

The Alarming Loss of Nature in the United States

Every 30 seconds, the United States loses an area of natural land equivalent to nine Grand Canyons due to human development. This staggering loss, detailed in a new report by the Center for American Progress (CAP) and Conservation Science Partners (CSP), amounts to roughly one football field-sized patch of land every 30 seconds.

Causes of Habitat Loss

The primary drivers of this alarming decline in natural expanses are human activities such as:

  • Urban development
  • Energy production
  • Transportation infrastructure

These activities have led to the fragmentation and degradation of natural habitats, posing a significant threat to the country’s biodiversity, clean air, drinking water supply, and ability to mitigate extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.

The Importance of Natural Land

Natural land provides a multitude of essential ecosystem services, including:

  • Clean air and water: Forests and wetlands filter pollutants from the air and water, providing clean resources for human consumption.
  • Wildlife habitat: Natural areas provide vital habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, including many threatened and endangered species.
  • Carbon sequestration: Forests and other natural ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.
  • Recreation and well-being: Natural areas offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, which can promote physical and mental health.

The Goal of Preserving 30% of Natural Land

The CAP report recommends that the United States set a goal of preserving 30 percent of its remaining natural land and oceans by 2030. This ambitious target would help to:

  • Lower animal extinction rates
  • Maintain food and drinking water supplies
  • Contribute to efforts aimed at preventing global temperature rise

Achieving the 30% Goal

Reaching the 30% target will require collaborative action by policymakers, scientists, conservationists, and the public. Key strategies include:

  • Advancing locally led conservation initiatives
  • Building a more inclusive, equitable, and just approach to stewardship
  • Responding to an ambitious national call to action

The United States as a Conservation Nation

By fulfilling its promise as a conservation nation, the United States can:

  • Protect its natural heritage for future generations
  • Serve as an example for the world to follow in terms of sustainable land management
  • Contribute to global efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss

Regional Differences in Habitat Loss

The report found significant regional differences in the extent of human development. The Midwest, Northeast, and South have experienced the most habitat loss, while the West has undergone the least. North Dakota and Oklahoma experienced the largest losses over the time period studied, while Nevada and Maine underwent the least amount of change.

Conclusion

The loss of natural land in the United States is a serious environmental crisis with far-reaching consequences. By setting a goal of preserving 30 percent of remaining natural land and oceans by 2030, the United States can take a significant step towards protecting its natural heritage, mitigating climate change, and ensuring a healthy future for generations to come.

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