Before proceeding any further, here is a short narrated excerpt regarding Eucalyptus-loving Koalas of Australia and their current status on the planet Earth.
A word from Zion-Fisher Horton:
“In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that tore through the Australian bush, Kip, a koala with soft grey fur and big, soulful eyes, found himself in the middle of a nightmare. The once-green eucalyptus forests he loved were now nothing but ashes, and Kip felt lost and scared as he searched for his family amidst the destruction. It was heart-wrenching to see his home and the homes of so many other animals destroyed by the flames. But in the midst of the chaos, help arrived in the form of rescue teams who rushed to save injured wildlife like him. Despite the sadness and uncertainty, Kip clung to hope, knowing that with a little help and a lot of heart, he could overcome even the toughest of challenges.”
There is a deeper meaning behind this piece of text. This is not just mere imagination, but the truth that these innocent marsupials are suffering due to rising temperatures in Australia that lead to immense rapid wild-fire in the forests.
In contemporary times, so many things are happening across the world. All news channels and media outlets comment on various issues and bring attention to it.
However, something that is hidden behind the curtain is the problem of animal extinction.
The suffering that animals in today’s times are going through is not even merely shown on the television. However, something that is more absurd is the scale and the rate at which this is occurring to various species.
According to an article from Live Science, the Amur Leopard, Sumatran Elephant, Javan Rhino, Vaquita, Mountain Gorilla, Bornean Orangutan, South China Tiger, North Atlantic Right Whale, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and Bluefin Tuna are considered the top 10 endangered species.
This list alone lets you visualize how it is affecting various species from terrestrial to aquatic habitats. The scale is even targeting major species that play important roles in the ecosystems such as tigers and whales.
It is quite shocking to see how this problem is spreading on a wide spectrum, affecting honestly all of the creatures in the entire animal kingdom except humans.
This is just the beginning. The rate at which this is occurring is beyond any words.
Moreover, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is found that approximately 27% of all assessed species are threatened with extinction and are considered to have left the world completely within a decade or so.
With that in mind, it’s not a small percentage. 27% isn’t a small figure if compared to the total number of species we have out there.
Out of 8.7 million species in total on Planet Earth, it is estimated that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades, more than ever before in human history. These stats alone show the severity of this complex issue.
Being complex, the issue itself is pretty much influenced by various factors and from a multitude of sides.
The far-reaching impacts of climate change, the rampant destruction of habitats through deforestation, and the insidious threat posed by illegal hunting/poaching are some prominent key reasons behind it.
However, something that is common in all these problems is the involvement of humans. Our actions are fueling these factors, causing rising levels of animal extinction. We must accept our accountability here!
But, don’t worry. Every problem has a solution. Climate change can be solved with the unity of humanity.
Today, I will talk about how we, as Baltimore School for the Arts students and Baltimoreans, can take a few simple steps to address the issue of climate change and step forward to stop this brutal massacre!
First step is to start spreading the importance of this issue!
As high school students, we can effectively spread awareness about animal extinction within our comfort zone by utilizing platforms and methods that we are already familiar with and comfortable using.
For instance, while socializing with peers during lunch breaks or in classrooms, we can share facts, stories, and concerns about endangered species and the importance of conservation.
Particularly, at BSA, having seminars during our crew time regarding this issue can be extremely helpful.
We can form circles and have discussions to better understand and connect this issue with our school community. If we start socializing about it, we are taking the first step by bringing it into attention!
Moreover, we can take advantage of digitalization!
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat offer an accessible way for students to reach a wider audience by posting educational content, infographics, or short videos about animal extinction and conservation efforts.
Feel like our science teacher can give us homework, at least a few times a month, of posting online about the issue of animal extinction. This can help us to divert our community into using its power into the positive direction of spreading the word.
By engaging in these activities within their comfort zone, high school students can effectively raise awareness about animal extinction among their peers and contribute to building a culture of conservation within their school community.
As summer is approaching, there is a lot of free time that you should consider dedicating for the sake of animals. There are many animal conservation centers around the city that are constantly seeking volunteers to help.
A few of these organizations include Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, National Aquarium, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Irvine Nature Center.
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore: Offers volunteer opportunities for high school students in animal care, education programs, and events.
National Aquarium: Provides volunteer positions for high school students in animal care, guest engagement, and conservation initiatives.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Offers volunteer opportunities for high school students in habitat restoration projects and environmental education programs, indirectly benefiting local wildlife.
Irvine Nature Center: Provides volunteer opportunities for high school students in wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental education programs.
It’s really highly suggested to check on their website and Instagram page to get into further contacts. Volunteering at these conservation centers not only provides valuable hands-on experience but also allows them to make a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation!
Did you know that approximately 70% of assessed specialist species are considered highly vulnerable to climate change?
It is time for us to reflect on what we can do in our zone of proximity as high schoolers.
I would say that it is our time to be eco-friendly and protect our environment from turning into a desolate void!
For high school students looking to be more eco-friendly, here are some basic tips:
Reduce Plastic Use: Carry a reusable water bottle and lunch container to school instead of single-use plastic ones. Say no to plastic straws and utensils.
Save Energy: Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Unplug chargers and devices when they’re fully charged or not being used.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Use both sides of paper for notes and assignments. Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum cans whenever possible.
Use Eco-Friendly Transportation: Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation to get to school instead of driving alone in a car.
Conserve Water: Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing teeth. Report any leaks in school bathrooms or facilities.
Support Sustainable Products: Choose products with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials. Look for eco-friendly labels when shopping for school supplies or personal items.
Plant Trees and Gardens: Participate in tree planting or community garden projects to improve air quality and provide habitats for wildlife.
By following these guidelines, high school students can make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future. It would lead to a better place for everyone in general.
In conclusion, animal extinction is really a serious problem in today’s time. It is something that should not be overlooked and ignored.
Special attention should be given to this issue. I know that various factors lead to animal extinction, but human involvement plays a crucial role.
To prevent human involvement from fueling this issue, we need to start taking steps from a young age at high school to ensure our responsibility toward mother nature.
Let’s make sure to keep this topic of discussion in your hearts and serve our planet Earth by becoming eco-friendly and a volunteer at a local zoo or conservation center this summer.
It is our duty, as the people who inhabit this planet, to protect it from this catastrophic event before it gets any worse. Remember that small actions make a big difference!
To contact this writer, email Muse Newspaper at musebsa@bsfa.org.
Photos credited to C.T. Pham for the BSA Muse.
