On Earth Day, Defenders of Wildlife's President and CEO Says Wildlife Faces 'Unprecedented Challenges'

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.”