Tomorrow, conservation leaders join virtual event to discuss bold goal to protect 30% of America by 2030
DENVER—The Center for Western Priorities is kicking off a “Road to 30” virtual tour of states across the West to emphasize the importance of a bold proposal to protect 30 percent of America’s lands and water by 2030, known as the 30×30 initiative. During this first event, co-hosted by the Sierra Club, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (NM), who is leading the 30×30 effort in Congress, as well as Dr. Enric Sala, a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and one of the world’s top researchers on ecosystem recovery, will discuss the importance of protecting biodiversity in the West’s unique habitats.
WHAT:
Road to 30 virtual event to discuss the bold vision to protect 30 percent of America’s lands and water by 2030.
WHO:
Sen. Tom Udall, United States Senator for New Mexico
Jennifer Rokala, Executive Director of Center for Western Priorities
Lena Moffitt, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s Our Wild America Campaign
Dr. Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
3-3:30pm ET / 1-1:30pm MT
HOW TO JOIN:
VIDEO & AUDIO RECORDING:
A recording of the virtual event will be available online following the event.
BACKGROUND ON 30X30 INITIATIVE:
Nature across the world is collapsing, according to biologists. Global human activity has altered three-quarters of the Earth’s lands, and within the United States, about a football field worth of natural area is converted to human development every 30 seconds. Hundreds of scientists are warning the rapid loss of natural space will result in a mass extinction, exacerbated by climate change. In the face of this crisis, ecologists are urging the conservation of at least 30 percent of the planet’s lands and oceans by 2030 (30√ó30), a critical step that can protect nature, strengthen communities, and improve public health.
In a recent Colorado College State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West Poll, 73 percent of voters in eight Mountain West states favored the 30×30 initiative, with majority support across party lines for the ambitious conservation goal.
For more details on the virtual tour and for more information about 30×30, please visit our website: Roadto30.org.