Minister calls for action to save threatened species
Speaking at the 10th annual Darwin Lecture last night, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn warned that the world is failing to protect its natural habitats and species and international action is needed as climate change takes hold.Â
The worldwide threat to polar bears, turtles and pandas is well known, but UK species are also at threat from climate change causing a loss of habitat and food sources.
Common sights such as songthrushes, skylarks, toads, common seals, puffins and woodpeckers could become rare as these creatures dwindle in numbers and are found in fewer areas.Â
Even the English bluebell wood could become a scarce sight. And the capercaillie, snow bunting (pictured) and black grouse – once a feature of the British countryside – are now so rare that they could face extinction in the UK.
Mr Benn said: “At present the world is failing to protect its biodiversity. We stand poised between the extinct and the living; we cannot go on as we are.â€
He called for the international community to set a new target for improving biodiversity and identified a need for a new system of governance for our seas and marine ecosystems. He also called on the public to play their part in helping to protect our natural habitats and species saying:
“Everybody has a part to play. Find something you care about – our wonderful woodland or your favourite birds, animals, plants – and do something to help them flourish. Help coppice a wood, plant wild flowers in your garden to create a habitat for birds and insects, eat sustainably caught fish or pull up a paving slab and plant a tree.â€
The annual lecture, held at the Natural History Museum, is part of the Darwin Initiative, which supports countries rich in biodiversity but poor in resources by funding collaborative projects.
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Page last modified: 27 October 2009
Page published: 27 October 2009