Our forests, our wetlands and our oceans absorb carbon from the atmosphere. They are vital to keeping 1.5 alive, or pulling us back if we do overshoot that limit. We must protect them - Photo:canva.com
The restoration of forests, grasslands, mangroves and wetlands is urgently needed.
Restoration of ecosystems goes alongside climate action whereby phasing out fossil fuels is critical to protecting biodiversity. During his speech for World Environment Day 5th June 2024, the United Nations Chief on climate change, António Guterres urged the world’s people not to lose focus or courage. “Our forests, our wetlands and our oceans absorb carbon from the atmosphere. They are vital to keeping 1.5 alive, or pulling us back if we do overshoot that limit. We must protect them.”
Communities engaged in regeneration can deepen their knowledge about the place they call home and be drawn to renewed appreciation and pride. In the face of difficult realities, clarity of purpose can also be sharpened with a desire to make a difference in gratitude for life.
Depending on where we live our local place will be dominated by a variety of natural living systems. Local restoration groups tailor their activities for events including National Tree Day in line with these attributes, and include planting of grasses, flowering plants and shrubs.
Seeing that sustained and patient efforts in the community can bring positive change is encouraging across the generations and can offer particular support for young people who care deeply for the health of our earthly home. Whilst there are increasing levels of distress across society about ecological loss, support can be found amongst people with shared values and goals for the care of creation, where information and perspective can be shared, as well as opportunities for empathetic listening.
