Climate change can often feel overwhelming, and the news can be filled with doom and gloom articles. However, it’s important to remember that there are actions being taken all around the world to address the issue. This blog post will highlight some of the innovative and impactful solutions that are currently being implemented to protect endangered species, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable transportation and food security. From the Yurok Tribe’s program to reintroduce California condors, to the Scottish Parliament’s adoption of the “20-minute neighborhood” plan, these efforts demonstrate the power of community engagement and the positive impact it can have on the environment and society.
Yurok Tribe Brings Condors Back to the Region for the First Time in a Century
A Yurok Tribe program in California is using the reintroduction of California condors to help protect the species from extinction and restore the cultural significance of the birds to the tribe. The program also aims to address the impacts of lead poisoning, habitat loss, and other threats on the condor population and its ecosystem through community engagement and ecosystem restoration.
The California Condor, paradoxically, both faces habitat threats from old and renewable energy industries, while also providing biomimicry inspiration in their wings to wind power designers.
Endangered Sea Otters Reintroduced to Coastal Waters
A nonprofit group called the Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reintroduce sea otters to a stretch of the West Coast from Northern California to Oregon. The organization claims that threatened southern sea otters currently occupy only 13% of their historic range, with a small population of the mammals living on California’s central coast. The organization argues that the reintroduction of sea otters would be an unparalleled conservation success story, as they would help restore climate-vital kelp forest and seagrass ecosystems.
Munekan Masha Project: Indigenous-led Restoration Efforts in Colombia
The Kogi people of Colombia, an indigenous community, have developed a conservation worldview that emphasizes the cultural connection between humans and nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations. The Kogi worldview emphasizes the idea that humans are not separate from nature and that conservation is not just about protecting species and habitats, but also preserving the balance between the spiritual, natural and human worlds. The Kogi people are collaborating with scientists to create educational material that will teach Kogi values to western schools and universities.
Hawaiian Indigenous Groups Receive Funding to Support Traditional Fishpond Preservation
Indigenous groups and grassroot organizations will receive congressional funding to upgrade the management of fishponds using modern technology and techniques, which will help in preserving the ancient Hawaiian fishpond system. The partnership aims to promote sustainable aquaculture, improve food security, and provide economic opportunities for the native Hawaiian community.
Scotland Adopts Twenty-Minute Neighborhood Plan to Create Sustainable Cities
The Scottish Parliament has approved the concept of a “20-minute neighborhood”, which aims to make it possible for residents to access everyday necessities within a 20-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. The plan is focused on promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions, while also encouraging people to walk or bike more, and improving overall quality of life.
Arizona Seed Bank Restores Indigenous Crops
The Arizona Native Seed Bank is preserving traditional agricultural practices and native crops by collecting, storing and distributing seeds of plants historically grown by indigenous communities in the state. The seed bank works with farmers and community members to help revitalize traditional agriculture and improve food security for tribes and rural communities.
Seed banks are an essential tool to climate adaptation.