Often times, when society thinks of life in the universe, they tend to overlook the most important life of all: the lifeforms on Earth. In the search of exploring the universe, many people have also forgotten of the life that exists on the planet. Animals and humans have co-existed for generations, but these same animals are losing their habitats and their homes. Human disruption and destruction have cause many species of animals to die out at an ever-increasing pace. This issue has become so dire that many non-profit organizations all fight to protect all the animals from human devastation; one such organization is the Center for Large Landscape Conservation.
Banner for the Center for Large Landscape Conservation
The United States has taken some approaches to protect the natural woodlands, yet it has not been enough; many species still struggle to survive through the destruction of their habitats and ever-increasing human need for space and supplies. It is these concerns that Dr. Gary Tabor, Director of the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, addressed in his presentation, entitled The Emergence of Large Landscapes in an Era of Planetary Thresholds. His presentation discussed the role of nature in the ever-changing human world, focusing on the interactions between other lifeforms inhabiting the world, and brought out ideas on how to coexist in a less destructive manner.
Dr. Gary Tabor, Director for the Center for Large Landscape Conservation
The lecture covered a wide array of different topics and issues that nature currently faces, all leading to the idea that humanity is making a change in the world, and not in a good way. The weather and the environment are being dramatically affected by the human activity occurring worldwide, but there is a chance to stop the destruction before it is to late. Dr. Tabor suggested that everyone works together to bring the ideas of increased conservation of large landscapes will lead to an increase in stability for the natural processes of life that occur. By making adjustments to current architecture, it will make it safer for wildlife to live and move around. Also, more land should be designated as protected zones, due to the fact that animals do not like to be constrained to one small area. Tabor continued on saying how humans have the opportunity to make a difference, and to right the environmental wrongs that occurred in the past.
Graph of protected land area around the world
The talk brought up a lot of important questions that needed to be answered: What role do humans play in the destruction of natural habitats? What can be done to prevent these atrocities? Is it possible to peacefully co-exist with nature? Maybe. Maybe not. but what’s important is making steps toward a better future. That’s a start.
Image Sources:
http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs158/1109042460850/img/222.jpg?a=1111798305707
http://www.climateconservation.org/images/Staff_pics/Dr_Gary_Tabor.jpg
http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/lectures/biodiversity2/protect.gif
