Climate Change to Kill Half of All Species by 2050

Just like humans, plants and animals are wilting under the strain of extreme climate shifts and natural disasters.

Animals and plants are disappearing from the earth at an alarming rate – and it has nothing to do with weird conspiracy theories about immigrants eating them. An estimated one million species are in danger of becoming extinct , according to a United Nations report, with more than half of all species becoming extinct by 2050.

While that statistic may lead to despair, there are actions you can take to fight back against waves of extinction. The easiest step is to go to the movies and get educated. The nonprofit American Humane organization’s latest documentary, “Escape from Extinction: Rewilding,” narrated by Meryl Streep, focuses on the rewilding conservation strategy that works to restore natural ecosystems by reintroducing both plant and animal native species.

Extinction Education

Multiple resources are available to find information about species in your state that are protected under the Endangered Species Act, says Dalton George, a national grassroots organizer for the Endangered Species Coalition (ESC).

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species website has loads of information, including a searchable species database, and a list of ESA-listed species by state,” George says. “Alternatively, the state fish and wildlife agency for any given state may have information on listed species.” < p>

Other resources suggested by Jennifer Gardner, senior program manager – disaster response for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), include an information for planning and consultation program from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that is available to private citizens and public employees about endangered species that could be affected by any activity in a specific location.

Alternatively, the Center for Biological Diversity has a map of threatened species by county . Or you can learn more about endangered animals in North America here: 20 of the Most Endangered Animals in North America | IFAW .

“There are millions of species in the world but there is one common theme that leads to some becoming threatened or endangered: human impact on their habitat,” Gardner says. “Prioritizing the retention of as much habitat as possible while you’re building or rehabilitating the land after you have built is one of the best actions you can take as a homeowner.”

First Do No Harm at Home

Homeowners can take a two-pronged approach to protect endangered species: stop poisoning the environment and start protecting it.

“The most important thing homeowners can do is avoid using toxic pesticides and herbicides on their property,” George says. “These chemicals injure and kill native animals like pollinators and amphibians.”

Beyond that, planting species that are beneficial as food or a habitat for native pollinators is super helpful, he says.

“But you always want to make sure that what you are planting is appropriate for your area,” Geroge says. “Certain species of plants may not perform well in soils and climates for which they haven’t evolved and adapted. Xerces has resource guides that give specific plant species for each region that are beneficial for pollinators.”

Gardner recommends contacting your local native plant society .

“ Try to encourage a diversity of wildlife to your garden, as a range of common plants and creatures also support endangered animals,” Gardner suggests. “Nature is interlinked – all species have a role to play in protecting our planet and every individual animal counts.”

For example, Gardner suggests instead of having large areas of manicured lawn, plant garden beds full of native plants to attract a range of insects and birds, all of which may provide a food source for pollinators and other endangered species in your area.

“It’s also helpful to incorporate potential habitat for the endangered species in your area in your garden design,” Gardner says. “For example, the Indiana Bat is an endangered species in the South and Midwest, mainly because humans disturb them while they are trying to hibernate. Leaving dead trees on your property to be potential homes or installing bat houses in your garden could help this species survive.”

Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane and executive producer of “Escape from Extinction: Rewilding,” suggests the following tips to help slow the pace of extinction.

Start Small in Your Yard

• Do nothing for 12 months – let your grass and weeds grow
• Choose heirloom and open-pollinated seeds
• Add a water feature
• Leave your leaves
• Plant native
• Install feeders and nest boxes
• Turn off exterior lights
• Plant for pollinators
• Buy sustainable alternatives
• Use eco-friendly fertilizers

Just Pick One for Your Lawn:

• Species to save
• Plant to grow
• Product to swap

Pets and Endangered Species

Pets and wildlife are generally not a good mix, so do all you can to keep them separate, Gardner says.

“Feed your pets inside to ensure there isn’t any left-over food that might attract wildlife near your home and ensure any food you keep outside is properly sealed,” she says. “It’s also important to keep your pets inside or sheltered at night. Dog and cat attacks are one of the most common injuries suffered by native wildlife in addition to car strikes.”

Domestic cats kill more than half a million songbirds a year, George points out.

“If you have a pet cat, it’s best to keep it indoors,” he says. “If you must let your cat go outside, they make bells and capes that you can put on your cat to reduce the likelihood of it successfully ambushing a bird or other native animal.”

While cats have a particularly bad reputation as hunters, dogs can be harmful, too.

“When walking dogs in natural areas, keep them on leash or otherwise trained or under control so they don't chase and harass wildlife,” George says. “And don't ever release a non-native pet out into the wild: In Florida, the population of Burmese pythons has exploded after pet owners released them in the wild when they grew too large to care for, and now—with no natural predators—pythons are wreaking ecological havoc in the Everglades.”

Builders and Endangered Species

Whether you’re building your own home or are a professional builder, find out which vital species are in your area and what you can do to minimize the impact of your build, Gardner says.

“Plan to reduce habitat loss as much as possible,” Gardner recommends. “Even if the species you are protecting by doing this are not endangered, nature is interconnected, and your actions will make an impact somewhere along the chain.”

Minimizing your carbon footprint with an energy efficient and sustainable house can be beneficial to local species, too. Gardner suggests swapping any concrete, paved or lawn areas for garden beds, which will also help naturally cool your house.

Activism to Protect Animals

Decisionmakers need to hear from ordinary people who care about wildlife, so people should follow conservation issues in their states, George says.

“In most states, wildlife agencies are run by a board of citizens called the Wildlife Commission,” he says. “Commissioners are usually appointed by the governor, and they are there to represent the interest of constituents in their district. They tend to be very accessible—it’s not uncommon to simply email or call your wildlife commissioner and ask them to meet for coffee to discuss wildlife issues.”

You can also sign up for the Endangered Species Coalition’s activist list to receive alerts on key decisions impacting endangered species.

Ganzert suggests the following activities to help endangered species beyond your home.

In Your Community:

• Support community gardens
• Preserve open spaces
• Revitalize a meadow with native wildflowers
• Create a pond
• Advocate for wild spaces

In Your World:

• Donate to a certified zoo’s rewilding program
• Learn about government rewilding initiatives 
• Support organizations like American Humane that conserve endangered species, protect animals from extinction and promote humane rewilding

Elect Environmental-Focused Leaders that:

• Support wildlife crossings
• Fight for endangered species
• Protect nature preserves

“Finally, get out and appreciate nature,” Gardner says. “The more you experience our flora and fauna, the more you will realize how special and interconnected our natural environment is, which might lead you to become more active about protecting it.”

Publisher’s Note: This content is made possible by our Today’s Homeowner Campaign Sponsors: Whirlpool Corporation. Whirlpool Corporation takes sustainability seriously, in both their products and their operations. Learn more about building and buying homes that are more affordable and less resource intensive.