The degradation and destruction of nature drives both wildlife loss and climate change, making it one of the greatest threats to life on Earth.
Global wildlife populations have declined by almost 70 per cent on average in the past 50 years alone.
Our most recent Living Planet Report Canada found that populations of at-risk species in Canada have declined 59 per cent on average since 1970.
Species in Canada are threatened by multiple, compounding pressures. The main threats are habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, pollution, invasive species and unsustainable harvest.
Canada’s Arctic and forests are vital to a healthy planet, with sea ice acting as a climate regulator and forests as carbon sinks.
NASA has estimated that the polar ice caps are melting by almost 13 per cent every ten years. At this rate the Arctic will have no summer ice left by 2040.
WWF-Canada’s Carbon Map found that Canada stores hundreds of billions of tonnes of carbon in its landscapes and ecosystems — equivalent to about 25 years of human-caused global greenhouse gas emissions at 2019 emission levels.
Indigenous peoples have a profound connection to the land and water, one that is deeply intertwined with their economic, cultural and spiritual wellbeing. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) have better conservation outcomes than lands protected without Indigenous consent and leadership.
Do One Thing
Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers. A single oak tree can serve as a habitat for thousands of species, including insects, birds, and mammals.
Students and educators can protect and restore nature and advance sustainability with many available programs.
Learn more about Indigenous-led conservation of protected and conserved areas. Many large carbon storage areas are often found in Indigenous territories as a result of responsible management by Indigenous Peoples.
Take part in campaigns for change.
Raise funds for conservation efforts by many incredible organizations or organize your own fundraiser.