#Environment
Target:
Penn State Students
Region:
United States of America

The extinction rate of the planet's wildlife is currently at an all-time high. While extinction is a natural phenomenon, species are dying off at a rate that is far too rapid; in fact, scientists estimate that extinction is presently occurring anywhere from 100 to 10,000 times faster than the rate at which it should be naturally occurring. Since 1970 alone, we have lost 52% of the world's population of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles.
Experts have declared that Earth is currently undergoing its sixth mass extinction, and unlike the previous five—caused by natural events—the current wave of die-offs was almost entirely brought on by human activity. Mankind is directly responsible for the excessive habitat destruction, pollution and climate change that threaten the existence of all our planet’s wildlife. Measures need to be taken to curtail this rampant and irreversible loss of species before it is too late. While each of us may not personally be able to limit deforestation or decrease levels of pollution, there are simple steps we can all take in our daily lives that, when put together, can help combat wildlife extinction.
Some basic preventive actions include recycling, reducing your carbon footprint, conserving water, and limiting the amount of paper you use. Developing simple habits such as carpooling, taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet when it’s not being used, and practicing proper waste disposal is not only easy, but also incredibly helpful in saving the environment. Additional measures that help support the fight against wildlife extinction include: walking or biking instead of driving, using fewer fossil-fuel based products, buying locally grown products, using energy-efficient CFL bulbs, boycotting products made from endangered animals, and many more.
By being more environmentally friendly in our daily lives, we can help put an end to wildlife extinction. Just as important as cutting back on environmentally harmful behaviors is spreading the word of this far-reaching and urgent issue. Encourage others to take action against extinction, as well, by both educating them on what they can do and setting a proper example of eco-friendly behavior. It is up to each and every one of us to do our part to save the world we live in. More information on the extinction crisis and ways you can help fight it in your daily life is available on our website at www.savetheenvironmentpsu.com.

By signing, I pledge to follow the guidelines for living a more environmentally friendly life detailed above, thereby playing my part in the fight against wildlife extinction.

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The Pledge to Be More Environmentally Friendly in Daily Life petition to Penn State Students was written by Matthew Eilbacher and is in the category Environment at GoPetition.