This year’s World Environment Day (June 5) was all about restoring land, halting desertification, and improving drought resilience – with the powerful motto, “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”
There are many reasons land is cleared, mostly for agriculture, housing, and infrastructure. Globally, humans clear approximately 72,000 football fields of natural vegetation every day! In New South Wales alone, we clear approximately 640 football fields of natural vegetation every day! The problem with land clearing is that it not only removes wildlife habitat and reduces tree coverage (important in reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere), but it completely degrades the soil quality. Focusing on land restoration is a hugely important part of combating climate change. Whilst we cannot turn back time, restoration can reverse desertification, increase habitat availability, increase drought resilience, and provide more green spaces.
How can you make a difference?
- Prioritize planting sections of native vegetation in your garden (Nature for backyards – Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au))
- Food production and consumption drives more than 80% of biodiversity loss;
- Where possible, buy organic/biodynamic products and support local farmers
- Try growing some food at home, or join your local community garden
- Reduce food waste at home and ensure you utilise FOGO
- Get involved with local Bushcare groups (Bushcare programs – Inner West Council (nsw.gov.au))
- See more helpful and practical tips here
Local Spotlight: PlantingSeeds B&B Highway
Planting Seeds is a successful Inner West Environment Grant recipient. Their B&B Highway project is a practical and scalable initiative engaging school communities within the Inner West to establish ‘B&Bs – Bed and Breakfasts for Biodiversity’ to form regenerative corridors. This project actively engages students and their families to learn about biodiversity, local pollinators, flora, and citizen science all while actively planting to restore habitat. Read more about this project here: B&B Highway – PlantingSeeds (ps.org.au). Pictured are local school students participating in the B&B Highway project.
If you are feeling confident in what you know about World Environment Day 2024, why not quiz yourself on land degradation, desertification, and droughts – you will either learn something new or surprise yourself! UN Environment Quiz.