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Overview
“The message of the bees is that we need to move away from our current modes of agriculture and move toward sustainable, organic and just agriculture.” – Lisa Archer, Program Director, Friends of the Earth
Biological diversity, or biodiversity, describes the variety of life, encompassing ecosystems and species. It is the source of the food we eat and foundation for all we do on earth. Biodiversity aids the adaptability and resiliency of the natural world to challenges such as climate change.
There are three levels of biodiversity: in ecosystems, in species, in genetics.
Biodiversity in ecosystems is the variety of habitats across our globe, including deserts, forests, grasslands and marine environments. For example, compare forests in Northern California and New Hampshire; from the types of trees to animals to rainfall, each ecosystem is unique. Differences in habitat keep our planet in balance and resilient to the threats of environmental pollution and a worsening climate crisis.
Biodiversity in species refers to the variety of species within an ecosystem. Examples of tree species are redwoods, oaks, willows, evergreens, palms and countless more. Variety helps ecosystems adjust to disturbances like extreme weather. Different species of trees, plants, predators and prey within an ecosystem are critical to support a healthy circle of life.
Biodiversity in genetics means that within a species, there are many distinct traits and genes. This keeps a species adapting, evolving and surviving, not extinct. The far too common practice of monoculture crops put countless food sources, like bananas, at higher risk of dying out. Monoculture is the cultivation of a single crop in one given area, significantly reducing the genetic variety and thus increasing vulnerability to disease. The natural alternative is polyculture, when more than one crop is grown in that same space at the same time. Such practices create genetic abundance and benefit both people and planet. Without a variety of genes and species in a crop area, species’ ability to protect themselves from predators is perilously reduced. Intricate ecosystems are what shape our world.
Right before our eyes, this planet is experiencing its sixth mass extinction. Dozens of species go extinct every day. A 2019 UN report estimates that 1 million species are currently at risk for extinction, a rate that is sadly accelerating. Global biodiversity has declined 50% in the past 40 years. We have lost half of all species on earth in a geological blink of an eye.
Why is this mass extinction happening?
Unlike previous mass extinctions, the current precipitous loss of biodiversity is caused almost entirely by human activity. Deforestation and urban expansion, spreading of invasive and non-native species, and climate change all dramatically reduce habitats and the earth’s biodiversity. When diminished, ecosystems become imbalanced and unable to function effectively, putting our lives and those of all species at risk.
Solutions like land and water conservation, more stringent protections for endangered species, and a shift away from industrial animal agriculture are possible. If we envision a global transition away from a consumptive and exploitative worldview, towards one prioritizing conservation and biodiversity, we can live in harmony.
Luckily, many organizations are driving incredible, innovative work to ensure the health of our planet for future generations of all species. Friends of the Earth works to eliminate pollinator-toxic pesticides and promotes the shift to organic farming systems that are healthier for bees, butterflies, people and planet, among many invaluable campaigns. Conservation International strives to protect habitat and resources to maintain healthy ecosystems.
Individuals can also help combat biodiversity loss. How? Planting pollinator-friendly plants (check out Center for Food Safety’s guide to pollinator-friendly plants), stopping the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and buying organic all directly support increased biodiversity.
Today, we hope you complete this challenge with an understanding of the breadth and magnitude of biodiversity. And with that, rise to assume your place in finding and creating solutions to one of the greatest crises of our time.
THINK
“Nature doesn’t need people. People need nature. Our food, our water, our health, our jobs – they all rely on the health of the planet’s ecosystems.” — Conservation International
ACTIVITY
Take a few minutes to watch a few short videos from the series “Nature is Speaking,” created by Conservation International.
- Write a short reflection integrating three takeaways from these videos.
- Post your favorite one on social media with a caption. Tag @TurningGreenOrg and @ConservationOrg and use hashtag #TGClassroom.
DELIVERABLES
Upload a PDF document with your responses from the two videos you watched using the upload button. Post your favorite video on social media with a caption. Tag @TurningGreenOrg and @ConservationOrg and use hashtag #TGClassroom.
Submission Guidelines
- If you do not see an upload button, you need to log in
- Submit all entries as PDFs; no Word or Pages documents
- Be sure to include all content for your submission in one document
- Do not include # or spaces in filenames
- You will see a confirmation in green that your submission uploaded correctly; if you do not see this confirmation, please try again
- Send any questions to classroom@turninggreen.org
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
There is a lot to know about biodiversity! Knowledge is the first step in making change and while it may seem like an overwhelming concept, our favorite resources make it easy to get a real sense of the issue.
ACTIVITY
Dive into the following:
- Read this piece from The Guardian: What is biodiversity and why does it matter?
- Read this article from National Geographic summarizing a recent UN biodiversity report
- Watch this film about the doomsday seed vault saving, protecting and cataloguing biodiversity.
Inspiring, right? Now, create a concept map. Write biodiversity in the center of the page. Put everything you have learned about the topic on that page in words, icons and images. Draw lines to connect and build upon different concepts creatively.
- Where do you fit in? Do some research and find an impactful way that you can personally help to increase biodiversity. Tell us how you will implement it in your own life.
- Post the visual on social media to share with us and the world! Tag @TurningGreenOrg with #TGClassroom. We can’t wait to see.
DELIVERABLES
Upload a PDF Document with your concept map and screenshot of your social media post. Tag @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
Submission Guidelines
- If you do not see an upload button, you need to log in
- Submit all entries as PDFs; no Word or Pages documents
- Be sure to include all content for your submission in one document
- Do not include # or spaces in filenames
- You will see a confirmation in green that your submission uploaded correctly; if you do not see this confirmation, please try again
- Send any questions to classroom@turninggreen.org
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
Have you ever heard of a victory garden? As part of the WWI and WWII war efforts, the nation rallied to feed communities at home and support troops overseas by planting gardens in their own backyards, called victory gardens. By 1944, nearly 20 million victory gardens produced 8 million tons of food, accounting for about 40% of the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the US at the time.
ACTIVITY
Begin by learning more about Victory Gardens. Watch this video and read this article to learn about gardens in the time of a pandemic.
Now it’s time to plan your dream backyard victory garden! Take a look at Climate Victory Gardening 101 and answer the following questions:
- What are important steps to take to make sure your garden is helping the climate?
- What are some health benefits (to you and the planet) for growing a garden?
- Sketch a plan for your dream victory garden. What does it include?
- Is this plan something you can implement in your own backyard?
DELIVERABLES
Upload your responses and sketch of your dream victory garden as a PDF document using the upload button.
Submission Guidelines
- If you do not see an upload button, you need to log in
- Submit all entries as PDFs; no Word or Pages documents
- Be sure to include all content for your submission in one document
- Do not include # or spaces in filenames
- You will see a confirmation in green that your submission uploaded correctly; if you do not see this confirmation, please try again
- Send any questions to classroom@turninggreen.org
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.