This week, the Center for Western Priorities released a video ad in support of the growing ’30×30′ movement to protect 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030.
The ad, “30×30 Opportunities,” highlights some of the conservation opportunities brought by the 30×30 initiative, including the protection of America’s majestic landscapes, outdoor access points, fresh water, and wildlife areas. Showing spectacular imagery of outdoor spaces to be preserved, undisturbed animal habitats, clear trail access points, and individuals—diverse in race and age—enjoying open lands, the ad presents viewers with a glimpse of what a 30×30 future could look like.
The 30×30 initiative is critical in preventing the collapse of the planet’s natural systems. Global human activity has altered three-quarters of the Earth’s lands, while within the United States, about a football field worth of natural area is lost to human development every 30 seconds. Hundreds of leading scientists warn that the rapid loss of natural space is resulting in a mass extinction, exacerbated by climate change.
Protecting 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030 is a bold conservation vision that will address the climate and biodiversity crises while improving access to the outdoors, expanding conservation opportunities and resources for private landowners, supporting tribal sovereignty, and strengthening local economies.
In January, President Biden issued an executive order supporting the 30×30 initiative. Several states either have passed or are considering state-level 30×30 resolutions. A supermajority 77% of Westerners support this bold conservation goal.
Here is a longer video that describes the “30×30” Resolution now in Congress.
“30×30 Opportunities” is part of the Center for Western Priorities’ “Road to 30” campaign. The organization is part of a growing movement of local community partners, leaders and grassroots advocates who are making the vision of conserving 30% of America a reality.
For more information, visit westernpriorities.org.
Aaron Weiss is Media Director for the Center for Western Priorities.