For Immediate Release

"On this Earth Day, let us focus on fulfilling our promises to all of the species that share this planet with us.”

Jamie Rappaport Clark, former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife
Washington, DC

Jamie Rappaport Clark, former president and CEO, Defenders of Wildlife, released the following statement on Earth Day 2019 – Protect our Species:

“On Earth Day, we must recommit ourselves to saving endangered species from extinction. Wildlife in the United States and around the globe face unprecedented challenges. Species are disappearing up to 100 times faster than normal due to human activities ranging from habitat destruction to illegal wildlife trafficking. And the looming threat of climate change hangs over all life on our planet. Yet protections for endangered species, migratory birds, marine mammals, our national wildlife refuges and southwest borderlands all are under attack.

“Instead of weakening protections for endangered and threatened species, Congress should be strengthening the Endangered Species Act and fully funding conservation needs so that American’s most imperiled species can be protected. On this Earth Day, let us focus on fulfilling our promises to all of the species that share this planet with us.”

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.  

 

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