The world needs saviors. Although scientists disagree about how devastating the consequences of climate change will be, there’s no longer any question that industrialization has pushed the planet to a dangerous tipping point.
The people doing the hard work of protecting Mother Earth over the years, despite controversy, criticism and outright scorn from skeptics, deserve praise. While few words are sufficient to say “thank you” for defending humanity’s only habitat, the world should know the names of these five eco-guardians saving the planet behind the scenes.
1. The Rainforest Alliance
Did you know frogs are critical bioindicators? They indicate the health of an ecosystem over time. That’s why the Rainforest Alliance chose one as their mascot over 35 years ago. This organization is a leader in protecting one of the world’s biggest carbon eliminators — the Amazon rainforest.
This organization takes a multifaceted approach to their work. Their Rainforest Alliance certification program indicates a product protects forests, the climate, human rights and livelihoods. They also work directly in at-risk areas to slow deforestation and support biodiversity. For example, they recently worked with farmers in the buffer zone of one of Indonesia’s national parks to create a wildlife corridor to support endangered elephants.
2. Advanced Energy United
Corporations often get a bad rap for harming the environment. While industrialization undoubtedly created the current crisis, many use their wealth and success to do good from within the system. Advanced Energy United is one such example. It’s an association of businesses united in their mission to achieve 100% clean energy in America.
Their advocacy matters. Because of their private success, they’re able to work with key decision-makers at every governmental level to advocate for policies that accelerate the energy transition.
While homeowners can convert their property to renewables, it takes the combined forces of corporations and governments to manage public utilities such as the electric company. Transitioning to a 100% clean grid will significantly reduce fossil fuel demand, as the factories and housing complexes currently burning coal and oil will soon draw power from the sun and complementary sources like wind and geothermal energy.
3. Electrification Coalition
Converting homes, factories and brands to green energy will go far in halting fossil fuel emissions, but what about all those cars and trucks? That’s where The Electrification Coalition comes in. Through their involvement with projects like Climate Mayors EV Purchasing Collaborative, the Electric Freight Consortium, State EV Policy Accelerator and American Cities Climate Challenge, they strive to facilitate the move to all-electric fleets.
Their effort is working. Experts anticipate the sale of electric vehicles will double by 2027, and new top-down guidance from the EPA may further encourage expansion. The work goes well beyond passenger cars and trucks, including the conversion of semis, buses and garbage trucks as part of the transition. If, in the future, you can jog down a city block without inhaling exhaust, you probably have these guys at least partially to thank.
4. Forest Stewardship Council
Nearly half of the world’s forests have already disappeared, and the Forest Stewardship Council aims to prevent that number from falling further. Trees are humankind’s best defense against atmospheric carbon, acting like giant scrub brushes to remove pollutants. The FSC currently protects 12% — or more than 500 million acres — of remaining forests. Their work is also making an impact, as deforestation has slowed by 40% since 1990.
Forests provide much more than clean air and recreational space. They’re home to countless plant and animal species, some of which may benefit humans but remain undiscovered. Buying goods that bear their label means a product resulted in no net forest loss while protecting fair wages and community rights.
5. The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is one of the oldest environmental action organizations, having begun over a century ago in 1915. They started when ecology was still an emergent field of study and top scientists still debated whether they should simply author papers or take more aggressive actions to preserve natural areas. Today, they work on a much broader scale to assist with conservation efforts around the globe.
For example, they partnered with the Dow Chemical Company in 2012 to develop models for valuing nature in business decisions. They recently engineered a 50-State Climate Change Strategy, while their Canadian partner preserved 19 million acres of Pacific coast between Vancouver Island and southeast Alaska. Other projects include converting abandoned mining towns to state parks while protecting the area from chemical spills.
Eco-Guardians Saving The Planet
The planet needs all the heroes it can get. Fortunately, organizations such as the ones above have stepped up to the plate to aid in conservation efforts. Supporting them in their missions and praising them for their work is the merest of thank-yous for protecting the only habitat humans have.
Author Bio
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about health and fitness. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates on his work, and subscribe to Modded Minute for more!