Day 10

Step outside for a moment. What do you see? Green grass? Tall trees? Buzzing bees? Vibrant flowers? How many different plants and animals surround you? All of these things make up biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth. Ecosystems require an interconnectivity between diverse species. From butterflies to alligators, every single species plays a role in their health and balance of. Biodiversity does not just keep our ecosystems healthy, it also keeps us and our planet healthy by providing food, resources and climate resilience. Let’s start to unpack these ideas.

There are three levels of biodiversity: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Genetic diversity is the diversity between individuals within a species. A high diversity of genes makes species more adaptable and resistant to disease. Species diversity rises with the total number of species within a habitat. The more species in a habitat, the stronger that habitat will be when faced with challenges like destruction. Ecosystem diversity rises with the number of different habitats within a single ecosystem. Since the vast majority of Earth’s carbon is stored in natural ecosystems like forests and grasslands, greater ecosystem diversity means greater climate resilience. Together, these create the rich, delicate complexity and diversity of life on Earth.

Why does extinction matter? Healthy ecosystems provide humans with certain services too often taken for granted. For example, mangrove forests that line coastal regions act as a natural barrier against flooding. A 2020 study found that if current mangrove populations were diminished worldwide, 29% more land, 28% more people, and 9% more property would be damaged every year. As humans have always relied on nature for food, water, medicines, and materials — and continue to — reducing biodiversity limits the resources which keep us alive. Let’s work together in all corners of our planet across all of our communities to protect our planet and shared future!

What’s happening now? We are experiencing a mass extinction with dozens of species going extinct every day. An estimated minimum of 38,500 species are currently under threat of extinction. Unlike previous mass extinctions, the current loss of biodiversity is caused almost entirely by human activity. Deforestation, urban expansion, the spread of invasive species, and effects of climate change all reduce Earth’s biodiversity. Human activities directly disrupt nature through tourism, transportation, dams, and much more. But there is good news. Since human habits are a major contributor to biodiversity loss, changing those habits means we can have a profound positive impact on the world around us.

How can we make change? Preserving land, establishing protected areas, limiting tourism, water conservation, reducing specific threats, and shifting away from industrial agriculture are good places to start. Companies like our partner Nature’s Path outline how organic farmers protect biodiversity through practices like protecting soil health, maintaining diversity, retaining wetlands, and preserving organic seeds. This is vital in reducing the harm caused by our current food systems. Organizations like our partners Friends of the Earth and Re:Wild Your Campus lead critical efforts to help protect diverse ecological communities, including eliminating pollinator-toxic pesticides and herbicides to promote a safe environment for bees, butterflies, all species, people, and the planet.

Successful biodiversity projects often rely on the knowledge of Indigenous communities who recognize the importance of harmony between humans and nature. For example, in Northern California, the California Condor was recently reintroduced to its ecosystem. The condor was an apex predator (top of the food chain) in the region and its absence deeply harmed ecosystem biodiversity. On May 3, 2022, two were reintroduced to the region for the first time since 1892, a massive stride for protecting biodiversity and demonstrating that change is possible! According to the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe, Joseph L. James, “Condor reintroduction is a real life manifestation of our cultural commitment to restore and protect the planet for future generations.”

We can all help combat biodiversity loss ourselves by planting pollinator-friendly plants (especially native species), avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and shopping sustainably. You can even shape your garden or backyard to qualify as a wildlife-certified space.

With today’s challenge, we hope you gain an understanding of the breadth and magnitude of biodiversity. And with that, rise to assume your place in finding creative solutions to the climate crisis!

Each Greener Winner will receive:

• Selection of certified organic products from our partner, Nature’s Path Foods, an independent family-owned company whose mission is to leave the earth better than we found it.
• From Milkweed Publications, a copy of “World of Wonders: in praise of fireflies, whale sharks, and other astonishments” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. From beloved, award-winning poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil comes an award winning work of nonfiction—a collection of essays about the natural world, and the way its inhabitants can teach, support, and inspire us.

Each Greenest Winner will receive:

• Selection of certified organic products from our partner, Nature’s Path Foods, an independent family-owned company whose mission is to leave the earth better than we found it.
• Glass jar of Waxelene Multi-Purpose Ointment. This silky smooth natural ointment is certified organic, petroleum free and hypoallergenic. It is specially formulated to moisturize dry skin while providing a breathable water-proof barrier to allow cuts, rashes and irritations to heal. 
• Reusable organic cotton cleansing pads and multipurpose net bag for travel, from The Organic Company, whose products are made from 100% organic cotton and from 2010 all products are of 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.