WildEarth Guardians understands the serious impact of COVID-19 within our communities and within the places we live, play, and work to protect. On March 13 we took the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our staff and the collective welfare of all citizens by closing our offices and allowing people to work from home with flexible hours. We also have canceled all our public meetings and events and have moved them to virtual platforms.
The past few months have shown that we are all vulnerable, especially when safety nets fail. That vulnerability reminds us of our shared humanity and that anxiety and grief are ever-present in times of crisis. Our vulnerability also provides clarity about what matters most.
Our shared vulnerability also reminds us that large-scale, immediate action on global threats is possible. The behavioral changes and economic impacts stemming from the coronavirus are so monumental, they are visible from space.
For the better part of a century, scientists have warned us about the looming effects of burning fossil fuels on our climate, yet the world has been slow to respond, at best. In truth, these two public health and global crises share a lot in common, and our current response can — and should — inform how we respond to the climate crisis and its related threats.
Hopefully, the biggest lesson we carry forward is that when we take a crisis seriously, and when we see ourselves both at risk, and empowered to be a part of the solution, we can prevent immense suffering. Let’s choose that response together.
WildEarth Guardians will continue our work to hold power accountable and demand immediate action to address the biodiversity and climate crises, at the same scale at which governments and communities have responded to COVID-19. The emergence of this novel coronavirus reminds us that our fates are inextricably linked — including to the wildlife, wild places, and wild rivers that sustain our planet. Ending habitat loss and the biodiversity crisis are imperative for the survival of all beings.
The work of WildEarth Guardians and all Guardians deepens during a time of crisis. Our work to confront the fossil fuel industry, defend the safety net of environmental laws from unrelenting attacks and preserve public lands will carry on.
We will meet the challenge of the imperative of social distancing with increased social connection, via more digital events. Look for announcements across all our platforms inviting you to new and exciting interactions with our staff, including webinars and Facebook Live events. If you have a particular area of our work you’d like to learn about, info@wildearthguardians.org“>please reach out. Know that we will be reaching out to you.
Please stay safe and take care of each other. We are all in this together.
