Defenders Releases Wildlife Conservation Agenda to Biden Transition Team

Defenders of Wildlife presented its Wildlife Conservation Agenda to President-elect Biden’s transition team today, calling on the next administration to address biodiversity loss and climate change, protect public health and prevent pandemics, rebuild the nation’s economy, rebuild the federal government and promote racial justice and equity. 

“After a tense season, the outcome of this election provides a ray of hope and a welcome respite from the relentless attacks on the wildlife and wild places of the last four years,” said Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife. “President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris assume office as the nation faces a surging climate crisis, an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, and federal agencies weakened by nearly four years of neglect and hostility. Our Wildlife Conservation Agenda is a guidepost for efforts by the new administration to address these urgent concerns over the next four years.”

In the last four years, the Trump administration consistently sold out the environment, working instead to recklessly and unapologetically place the power of the federal government at the disposal of those who seek to exploit and degrade our land, water, air and wildlife. The failure to act decisively to counter biodiversity loss and climate change has given these crises unchecked momentum. In combination, they present the greatest threat to our planet’s health in the history of humankind, threatening to unravel the rich, intricate tapestry of life on Earth.
 
“This is a historic moment for conservation and our country—perhaps the most critical one we have ever faced,” said Clark. “Our actions now will determine if our country will endure and our planet will sustain our priceless natural legacy—our amazing abundance of wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes—for all generations. We call on President-elect Biden and Vice-President elect Harris to take decisive action to address the threats that confront our nation’s wildlife, public health and environmental quality.”
 
Defenders is committed to working with President-elect Biden and his administration to better protect wildlife and habitat, and to promote sound management of the nation’s federal public lands. We look forward with a sober awareness of the work ahead but with optimism and a focused determination to heal the nation’s wounds and address the extraordinary challenges we as a country now face.