A major issue affecting today’s youth is that of our diminishing landscapes and animal habitats. Through all mediums of technology, today’s children know more about the environment and the creatures to be found on the planet than any other generation before them. It is, therefore, no surprise that they have comments and suggestions as to what they think we should be doing to stop the destruction of the natural world.
Education is the way forward.
“The main way to stop the jeopardy to all wildlife from pollution, poaching and destruction of natural habitats is through education. The protection and preservation of wildlife should be integrated into the morals and values of our society. At the rate we are consuming the trees on the planet, not only will wildlife die out, we will too. As I say, education is the key to this problem, as awareness usually sparks an interest and desire to help.” Marip, Zambia.
In Japan our forests are rotting and there are very few people to look after them because lots of timber is now imported. For centuries, the Japanese have lived in harmony with their forests and their lives are based on Ki-no-bunka or wood-based culture. So this issue is a serious problem for us. We need to address the problem immediately.” Tatsuya Miyamoto
“Protecting wildlife all over the world is significant in many ways. It keeps vital food chains and webs alive and if rhinos and elephant are poached, food chains to which they belong will have an imbalance and could possibly cause a species to die out. If humans allow some animals to go extinct there will be nothing spectacular left for future generations to experience.” Emily C. Wilson, South Africa.
“The great apes are part of our lives and cultures but unfortunately, humans are driving them to extinction. To simply state the animals need help is an understatement. What is needed are more wildlife centres with programmes to rescue orphaned apes and rehabilitate them. this would bring tangible benefits to communities as the centres could employ local people and source food from local farmers. People must act now to protect the primates.” Jessica Snook.
“I live in Western Canada and this week hundreds of baby seals will be clubbed to death and the ice will be red with their blood. The reason they are killed. Not because there are too many but because of the money their fur will bring to the country. The people should tell the government this is wrong. Maybe if the politicians thought they would be out of a job at election time, they might do something about it.” Patricia 12 years, Western Canada.
Surely it is time to think like our teenagers if we are all to save the planet. What are your views?