The International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species has classified over 8,400 species of wild flora and fauna that are critically endangered. An additional 30,000 species have been identified as endangered. This means over 38,000 species are critically endangered. Animals are only placed on this list if they’re severely at risk of extinction.
Life On Earth Is Threatened
Why does this matter? As humans, “wildlife and biodiversity-based resources are something we rely on” for all of our basic needs, including medicine, food, fuel, and clothing. Without these resources, life on earth is threatened. Moving forward, our livelihood depends on rescuing critically endangered species, restoring damaged ecosystems, and promoting healthy interaction with wildlife and sustainable practices.
How Can You Help?
Spiral allows you to donate to nonprofits that are working hard to preserve habitats, study and conserve endangered species, and protect our planet’s biodiversity. One of these leading nonprofits is Rainforest Trust.
What is Rainforest Trust all about?
“We protect the world’s most threatened species by protecting the ecosystems they depend on.”
Did you know that half of the world’s biodiversity is found in rainforests? Rainforest Trust identifies “biodiversity hotspots” around the world that need protection. Some of these areas include Indonesia, Madagascar, the Congo Basin, and more. By focusing on the preservation of these tropical forests, Rainforest Trust devotes time and resources to the conservation of our planet’s biodiversity. And by protecting ecosystems that endangered species depend on, they’re helping to keep those endangered species comfortable and safe.
How do they measure their impact in numbers?
In 2021 alone, Rainforest Trust:
- Protected over 2.8 million acres across the globe, an area 2.5x the size of Grand Canyon National Park
- Protected 610 critically endangered and vulnerable species
- Locked up over 455 million metric tons of C02 equivalents, comparable to the emissions from 99 million passenger cars driven for one year
- Worked with 80 partner organizations in 40 countries
Why should you give to Rainforest Trust?
Time is no longer on our side. Our planet and the species that belong here can’t wait for people, companies, and governments to act. When you give to Rainforest Trust, they immediately take action that creates protected areas. These areas keep forests intact, keep carbon safely stored, protect other types of habitat and the biodiversity they shelter, and enable endangered species to rebound and thrive. No matter how small or large the gift, a tangible impact is created.
