IS IT TOO LATE?

It is undoubtedly true that some of our activities have a harmful effect on our planet. Because of human activities, many species of wild animals are struggling to survive. Many of them have been driven to the verge of extinction and others are on the endangered list. While some people believe that nothing can be done to lessen the negative impact of human activity on wildlife, others argue that several measures can be taken to solve the problem.

There are more than 7 billion people living on Earth. Can you imagine what would happen if every one of us committed to do one thing — no matter how small — to protect wildlife every day? Even minor actions can have a major impact when we all work together. Here are ways you can make a difference:

1. Adopt: You can adopt from a wildlife conservation organization such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). For example, on special days like birthdays or New Year’s, you can get together with classmates to adopt an animal or help fund organizations, instead of buying presents which will last only a short time.

2. Volunteer: You may not have money to give, but you can donate your time, instead of spending your time on your computer. You can help clean beaches, rescue wild animals or teach visitors by volunteering at a zoo.

3. Speak Up: Share what you have learnt about wildlife conservation with your family and friends. Ask everyone you know what they can do to help wildlife.

4. Buy Responsibly: Do not purchase products which are made from endangered animals or their parts. If there is no demand for these goods, hunters will not kill the animals to obtain them. In other words, if you do not buy these products, they will not find a market to sell them.

5. Pitch In: Do your part by putting trash in its place. Trash isn’t just ugly, it’s harmful. Plastic rings are a trap for birds and other animals. There are many instances in which sea creatures have died because they had all the plastic trash in their bodies. Moreover, everyone’s natural resources are polluted by trash.

6. Recycle: Do you know that the mineral coltan, which is mined from the lowland gorillas’ habitat, is used for mobile phones? If you can’t reuse something, recycle it.

7. Restore: The International Union for Conservation of Nature has announced that 85 percent of all threatened and endangered species are threatened by habitat damage. Planting native trees, restoring wetlands or cleaning up beaches in your area are only small things you can do to take action.

Nevertheless, apart from governments, there are many measures that we as individuals can take to stop the negative effects that our activities have on our planet.