Living Green and Biodiversity
Why We Need to Protect Species Both Wild and Domestic
Shrinking biodiversity isn’t just a problem in the rainforest; a study by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has found that the variety of domesticated animals around the globe is also quickly dwindling.
The study reports that 20 percent of existing domesticated animal breeds are in danger of extinction, with one more breed becoming extinct each month. The report places the blame for this situation on a global food industry that favors a narrow range of fast-growing, high-production food animals over more diverse and native breeds.
This should raise serious concerns for anyone who’s trying to live green and sustainably. Because history has shown us, time and again, that societies that become over-reliant on a few primary food sources risk collapse when the environment changes … as ours is now changing.
“A significant fraction of wild species, populations, and genetic diversity has already been lost, and at present rates a large fraction of what remains will be lost within the next half-century,” writes Jared Diamond in his book, “Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed.” “Some species, such as big edible animals, or plants with edible fruits or good timber, are of obvious value to us. Among the many past societies that harmed themselves by exterminating such species were the Easter and Henderson Islanders …”
So how can we help stem the tide of domestic animal extinction? Consider these suggestions:
- If you eat meat, choose sustainably raised heritage varieties. Slow Food USA, for example, lists a number of farmers who have committed to preserving native biodiversity by raising heritage turkeys instead of the Large White breed that dominates today’s poultry industry.
- Support organizations like Heifer International, which provides sustainable agriculture support and domesticated animals like water buffaloes, llamas and oxen to people in developing countries so they can independently support themselves and their families.
- Take action by joining groups like the Center for Biological Diversity, which works on conservation projects and lobbies for change to preserve biodiversity.
