Can Rewilding Save the Planet?

At its core, rewilding is a method for supporting natural processes and preventing extinctions, making it a valuable tool in our quest to save the planet. While it may not be the sole solution, its potential contributions to ecological health cannot be understated. Alongside rewilding, we must also address ecosystem regeneration and the redesign of our supply chain systems.

Reevaluating Rewilding

When properly and safely implemented, rewilding can indeed make a significant impact. It involves allowing natural processes to take over, which can help restore habitats and protect species that are on the brink of extinction. For example, allowing wildlife corridors to form and reestablishing native plant species can help maintain biodiversity.

ECO-FRIENDLY HABITS TO DEVELOP

While rewilding is part of the solution, it should not be the only approach we take. We must also look at ecosystem regeneration, which includes both rewilding and other methods of restoring ecosystems. Additionally, we need to ensure that our supply chains are designed with sustainability in mind, reducing environmental harm and supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Case Studies and Real-World Impact

One example of the potential impact of rewilding is the case of California. Despite efforts to combat desertification and water scarcity, the state is facing significant challenges. NASA forecasts predict that California could be completely out of water within a year, and this situation is exacerbated by the loss of over 8 million acres of forest annually. This rapid deforestation has led to a significant increase in temperatures, particularly in urban settings like parking lots, which can be much warmer than natural forests.

Furthermore, the depletion of resources and the movement of companies out of California in 2020 underscores the urgent need for comprehensive environmental strategies. Over 10,000 structures were lost in fires that year, similar to the widespread urban decay observed in cities like Detroit, where efforts to rebuild have been met with limited success.

The Future of the Planet

Although rewilding and ecosystem regeneration offer promising solutions, they are part of a broader commitment to sustainability. The planet faces many existential threats, including:

Global Population Overshoot: The rapid growth of the global population is exacerbating resource shortages and environmental strain. Climate Change: Extreme weather conditions and rising temperatures are altering ecosystems and disrupting biodiversity. Resource Depletion: The increasing demand for clean water, food, and energy is leading to environmental degradation. Forever Chemicals: Man-made chemicals are accumulating in the environment and posing serious health risks to both humans and wildlife.

Actionable Steps

Fortunately, there are actionable steps we can take right now to mitigate these threats. Individuals and communities can contribute by:

Planting Trees: While planting trees is a good start, it’s important to allow them to establish themselves naturally rather than forcing them into environments where they might not thrive. Supporting Ecosystems: Protecting and supporting ecosystems by safeguarding forested and wildlife areas can help maintain biodiversity and prevent further degradation. Adapting Supply Chains: Redesigning supply chains to minimize environmental impact and support sustainable practices can have a significant ROI and create new job opportunities.

By taking these steps, we can start implementing solutions that align with the SDGs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Learn more about rewilding