The goal of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 is the subject of several key international agreements. Each recognises the rapid degradation of ecosystems and habitats, the increasing threat to many species populations and the urgent need to take action that will halt the decline in irreplaceable natural resources. In political terms, these commitments represent a radical departure from previous approaches. For the first time, an overall conservation target has been adopted rather than generally formulated objectives or specific measures that may or may not have the desired conservation effect. In that sense, the significance of these agreements cannot be overstated. However, given the current rapid decline in biodiversity, both in Europe and worldwide, and the ever-increasing extent and intensity of many human activities, the objective of halting the decline in biodiversity by 2010 will require unprecedented efforts in adapting our activities to the needs of natural systems.
Encourage your company to participate in the Countdown 2010 Declaration
Ten Things We All Can Do That Make a Difference
- Take public transportation, bike, walk, or carpool to work at least one day a week. Avoid air travel where possible.
- Buy food, preferably organic food—vegetables, fruits, dairy, eggs, and meat—from a farmer’s market at least one day a week.
- Eat sustainably harvested seafood and farmed fish that is herbivorous, like catfish, tilapia, and shellfish. Avoid farmed carnivorous fish like salmon and shrimp.
- Install at least one compact fluorescent light bulb in your home—it will save roughly 30 EUR in electricity and replacement bulb costs each year, and reduce carbon emissions by a ton every three years.
- Turn off lights in empty rooms.
- Lower the thermostat by at least 1 degree ° C in winter.
- Stop using herbicides and pesticides on your lawn.
- Only drink wines with natural cork stoppers.
- Tell everyone what you are doing to conserve biodiversity and ask them to join you. Support representatives who act for biodiversity.
- Above all, do not waste—reduce your consumption, buy only what you really need, and re-use and re-cycle whatever and whenever you can.
Laterz
