The relationship between animal well-being and the health of the planet is no mere activist hypothesis. It’s scientifically proven, ethical and ecological. With the theme, “Save Animals, Save the Planet”, World Animal Day is celebrating its centenary this year, reminding us of the vital link between our survival and that of the rest of the animal kingdom.
The theme, chosen through an open competition in which more than 50 countries took part, reflects an idea that is increasingly present on climate and social agendas, i.e. that to protect animals is not only an act of compassion, but a crucial strategy for slowing down environmental degradation, conserving biodiversity and containing global health crises.
In Sustainability For All, we are using this occasion to gather a gallery of some of the work dedicated to animals that we have already published.
Nature’s soundscapes host a rich treasure trove of information, more than we can obtain just by seeing. Many animals - birds, mammals, insects, amphibians - hide from us. But they emit noises betraying their presence. Listening to them attentively allows us to discover the true nature of our surroundings. So what are they telling us exactly?
According to current forecasts for global warming, published by the IPCC, it is probable that the number of jellyfish on beaches, and mosquitos, ticks and their associated diseases, will continue to expand. Grizzly bears are also hibernating less, while polar bears increasingly encroach on human settlements.
Climate models suggest that, by the end of the century, many regions free of these problems today, could become areas of high risk, endangering both fauna and the human population. All this will have a strong economic impact.
Declines in bee populations are connected to factors such as pesticides, invasive species, forest fires and climate change, which threaten these precious pollinators. In Europe alone, one out of 10 species is in danger of extinction, but the scientific community led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), is counter-attacking with an arsenal of evidence and innovative projects.
From the window of your home to fields of crops, every effort is important in protecting bees and helping them continue with their vital work.
There are numerous species currently in danger of extinction. Most of them are caused directly or indirectly by man: climate change, destruction of their habitat, illegal hunting, etc.
Click here to visit this gallery.
Shark hunting has for some time been a subject of global concern due to intensive and often cruel practices accompanying the practice. Drastic reductions in their populations also have serious ecological consequences. Sharks are top predators and play a crucial role in keeping marine ecosystems balanced.
Thankfully, there are various projects underway to reverse this situation. One such is being carried out by the NGO ORGCAS, which is converting shark hunters into those most interested in ensuring their very survival.
Find out their story in this video.
Human actions are compromising the survival of many endangered animals whose population has been reduced to negligible numbers. Unfortunately, there are many species for which there is nothing we can do, since they have completely disappeared and we can only know them through photographs.
Click here to visit this gallery.