As COVID continues throughout the nation, so does the process of undermining the environment. Proposed expansion of oil drilling on U.S. National Park sites, increased poaching worldwide and the exponential growth of illegal logging in regions like the Amazon continues to be on the rise as COVID takes center stage. However, there are some victories that should be celebrated as not everyone has forgotten about the Earth and climate change.
Today’s review of the news brought about a pleasant surprise for me as I read that a district judge in New York ruled in favor of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 to continue protecting migratory birds. Per the NPR article I read, in 2017 the current U.S. administration sought to dismiss charges that are brought against companies that accidentally kill migratory birds. This is a big deal! Not only are birds nice to observe, they are also important to the ecosystem. Each time an animal becomes extinct, the Earth’s balance gets thrown off course more than before affecting all life on the planet.
When companies are let off the hook for destroying the environment, including killing migratory birds, there is no accountability and there is (definitely) little legal consequence if sound policies are not put into place. Resources can get extracted without concern of depletion and developers can build without regard to impacts on the environment. Pollution of waterways, land and air could worsen leaving future generations to suffer the consequences.
Therefore, upholding policies such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are crucial to protecting the environment from human harm. We are the only species on the Earth that is purposefully killing the planet! I applaud the decision of Judge Valerie Caproni and hope that many other judges continue to defend policies that protect the Earth. After all, this is our only home. We must care for it anyway we can.
If you are interested in learning more about problems the environment is facing during COVID, click on the text below.
Mongabay: COVID-19 Lockdown Precipitates Deforestation Across Asia and South America
Conservation International: Poaching, Deforestation Reportedly on the Rise Since COVID-19 Lockdowns
Gracias!
Sources:
Saldivia, Gabriel. 2020. “Eagles And Mockingbirds Catch A Break As Judge Strikes Down Trump Bird Opinion.” National Public Radio. 12 August 2020.
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