Tag: biodiversity

Protecting our Fenlands: A Short History of East Anglia Biodiversity Ravages, Resistance and Rewilding

Artwork by: Nico Cordonier-Gehring

By: Nico Cordonier-Gehring, Canada/Germany/Switzerland/UK

Introduction

The cultural, economic, and political history of the Fenlands, including my Cambridgeshire home in East Anglia, offer an inspiring tale of biodiversity ravages, resistance and rewildings. Across nearly 1,500 square miles of southeastern Lincolnshire, most of Cambridgeshire including parts of historic Huntingdonshire, and the westernmost parts of Norfolk and Suffolk, the Fens lie inland of the Wash. I was raised in this region where my grandfather and ancestors made their homes, and it is beautiful with wide open skies, vast misty wetlands, unique and wonderful wildlife, and distinct local communities. Local communities here hold a rich history, interwoven with indigenous religious practices and a spirit of resistance against external forces and exploitation, dating back to the days of the Gyrwas (the Fenlanders, or Fennish commoners) under King Canute. The history of Fenlands peoples and nature is a story of resistance to the destruction of biodiversity lands and livelihoods, which continues to this day through the conservation, carbon sink, and rewilding projects of local communities, youth, historians and scientists, including from the University of Cambridge. 

Cultural history of environmental stewardship

The independence and cultural identity of local fenlands Peoples has always been specially connected to the stewardship of the land and waterways. As archaeological and anthropological evidence reveals, the beliefs of the original fenland peoples were marked by a profound respect for nature. A pantheon of spirits and deities were associated with the natural features of their environment. Water, in particular, held sacred significance due to its abundance and vital role in daily lives. The Fenlanders worshipped various water spirits, believed to inhabit the rivers, lakes, and marshes. These spirits were seen as both protectors and potential threats, necessitating rituals to appease them and ensure safe passage and bountiful fishing. 

Sacred sites include springs, wells, and groves, and many of these survive to this day, albeit overwritten or repurposed by Christian monasteries or churches. For example, the cathedral and monastery at Ely were built on historic pagan ritual sites. Over time, the imposition of Christianity transformed the religious landscape of the Fenlands. Many local practices were either absorbed into Christian rituals or suppressed, although traces of indigenous beliefs persisted within a Christian framework. For instance, sacred wells became associated with saints, like our Lady of Walsingham or the wells at Walsingham Abbey, and seasonal festivals with processions were adapted into Christian celebrations.

The distinct cultural identity and local knowledge of the Fenland peoples has played a crucial role in resistance against external forces, especially during periods of conquest. The encroachment of Roman, Saxon, and later Norman influences brought attempts to impose new government, laws, practices and administrative controls. However, the fenlanders fought back. Control and invasion was fiercely resisted by the locals, including Hereward the Wake, a local hero who led a rebellion against Norman rule in the 11th Century. His legacy symbolises the enduring spirit of resistance and the defence of local traditions, and inspires local youth, even to this day.

Political history of the Fenlands

The Fenland’s unique ecology and geography, with isolated island homes, floating reeds and shifting lakes and riverbeds, provided areas of retreat from enemies and allowed considerable independence in terms of religion and beliefs. And it is through the draining and destruction of these unique wetlands, threatening the wildlife and rich natural systems with destruction, that very nearly destroyed the Fenlands identity, culture and local livelihoods from the 1600s onwards. For centuries, lords and aristocrats advanced proposals to enclose the commons, then drain the Fens to access the naturally rich soil for farming. 

As one historical example, the Isle of Axholme wetlands commons were guaranteed by ancient treaties such as the 1359 Axholme Deed of John de Mowbray, which was kept a locked iron-bound chest in the parish church of Haxey under a stained-glass window of Sir John holding the accord. When Cornelius Vermuyden, a Dutch entrepreneur, sought to violate these rights with a company of ‘Adventurers’ (investors), over two thousand commoners resisted. In 1629, local women verbally distracted drainage workers, while men ambushed them, filling in the ditches, smashing tools, and even constructing mock gallows to loom over the diggers, making clear the consequences of continuing to break the Treaty of Axholme. According to government records of 1629, rather than justice, fen people faced penalties and harsh punishments for making their views heard, and refusing to support their own dispossession, including being beaten and jailed. However, they continued to resist, driving cattle through enclosures. 

Economic history of the Fenlands

Although local resistance was fierce, the adventurers and investors finally embarked on large-scale enclosure and drainage of the fens in the 1800s, using foreign workers, windmills and then steam pumps to pull the water away from the majority of the fens, filling in the common wetlands with private holdings and farms. A group of wealthy and powerful investors under the Earl of Bedford near Lincoln came together to canalise the fenlands rivers, undertaking massive earthworks, levelling and installing embankments and relief channels, and dredging operations to drain and privatise the collective wetlands areas. Unfortunately, their ‘Bedford Corporation’ also destroyed the local habitat of wildlife and ecosystems, taking away the natural resources and livelihoods of many local fishing and wildcrafting communities. Employing constables and guards, and hiring labourers from outside the area, they built pumps and small channels to disrupt and eliminate the water so that just the fertile mud was left. 

These exploitative projects faced heavy opposition from the local villages and fenlands peoples, who worried about their access to eels, fish, waterfowl and game. Local groups organised to burn down pumping stations and refill ditches overnight, they even hosted cultural events and festivals to disguise attempts to disrupt the dredging operations. The fenlands Peoples resisted on all levels, even taking petitions to the Privy Council and to the King in their defence. While the draining eventually succeeded, and vast farmlands were planted, East Anglia is already facing the results of that folly, as the rivers and canals silt up, and the flooding, with only scattered remnants of peat bogs and washes to absorb the rains, becomes worse every year, drowning villages and towns. 

Fenlands today: Taking action for conservation 

Still, the history of our fens is not over. Local peoples, joined by nature advocates. In the 2000s, local and national governments are working to re-wild areas of the Fenlands, reclaiming, and restoring them in order to prevent flooding and natural disasters in response to climate change and biodiversity loss. The Wicken Fen Vision 2030 plans to nearly quadruple the protected wetlands as a carbon sink and a local biodiversity haven. At the Great Fen, a vast fenland landscape between Peterborough and Huntingdon, as part of two National Nature Reserves, they are undertaking one of largest restoration projects ever for Europe, as landscapes are being restored and transformed for the benefit of both wildlife and people. With the addition of 120 hectares by rewilding Speechly’s Farm in 2023, completes a massive fenland jigsaw, reversing the harmful effects of those drainages from the 1600s to the 1850s, and creating a continuous corridor of natural wetlands between Woodwalton Fen and Holme. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of biodiversity resistance and rewilding in the Fenlands highlights the deep connection between a People and the environment. Our Fenland Peoples’ ability to maintain cultural identity and resist external pressures underscores the powerful role of belief systems in shaping and preserving community cohesion. As we explore the history of the Fenlands, we can all learn a deeper appreciation for the resilience and creativity of these communities, and their continued attempts to find a balance between nature and livelihoods, one that respects and restores the local environment and its unique culture.

Bibliography 

Ash, Eric H. The Draining of the Fens: Projectors, Popular Politics, and State Building in Early 

Modern England. Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology. Baltimore (Maryland): Johns Hopkins university press, 2017.

Boyce, James. Imperial Mud: The Fight for the Fens. London: Icon, 2020.

Pryor, Francis. The Fens: Discovering England’s Ancient Depths. London: Apollo, 2020.

Sly, Rex. From Punt to Plough: A History of the Fens. Reprinted. Stroud: Sutton Publ, 2003.

Other Resources Used:

JISC Archives Hub (online: www.archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk, last accessed 21 June 2024)

The Ouse Washes (online: www.ousewashes.info, last accessed 21 June 2024)

Literary Norfolk (online: www.literarynorfolk.co.uk, last accessed 21 June 2024)

Wicken Fen (online: www.nationaltrust.org.uk, last accessed 21 June 2024)

The Great Fen (online: www.greatfen.org.uk, last accessed 21 June 2024) 

Have We Taken Too Long in Taking Action to Fulfil SDG14?

By: Harry Langford

Given that our planet’s oceans cover up 71% of the planet (National Geographic, 2023), protecting and shielding them from climate change should be our priority. Our actions and our neglect since the industrial revolution have drastically damaged our oceans, making it vital for us to act quickly and extensively to salvage the ecosystems which are struggling to survive in spite of rather than because of our actions. According to the United Nations (2021):

“As the planet’s greatest carbon sink, the ocean absorbs excess heat and energy released from rising greenhouse gas emissions trapped in the Earth’s system. Today, the ocean has absorbed about 90 percent of the heat generated by rising emissions”.  

This is resulting in melting ice caps, rising sea levels of around 3.6 cm per decade (Oppenheimer, M et al., 2019), marine heatwaves, ocean acidification and so much more. Extreme storm surges, flooding, coastal erosion, marine heatwaves and landslides are becoming annual events rather than the historic pattern of once a century. Due to the increased number of marine heatwaves, the UN environment programme predicts that ‘every one of the world’s coral reefs could bleach by the end of the century if the water continues to warm” and that the irreversible loss of marine and coastal ecosystems will be catastrophic: by 2100 over half of the world’s marine species will be on the brink of extinction (United Nations, 2021). If we woke up tomorrow and there was an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, around 80% of coral reefs would be destroyed, devastating marine life. 

Action needs to be taken immediately to stop this destruction. So which actions are being taken? The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14 focusses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. There are 2 main actions being focussed on globally to fulfil this goal: the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty (“BBNJ”) and the High Seas Alliance. BBNJ, or the “High Seas Treaty”, was signed in September 2023 by UN member states to safeguard life in the ocean beyond national jurisdiction. This is the first comprehensive cross sectoral ocean treaty of its kind and entailed 20 years of negotiations (United Nations, 2023). This treaty gives practical effect to SDG14 with signatories agreeing to protect at least 30% of our seas by 2030. This agreement “will enable the establishment of area-based management tools, including marine protected areas, to conserve and sustainably manage vital habitats and species in the high seas and the international seabed area” (United Nations, 2023). 

BBNJ has 4 main topics and key ideas:

  1. Fresh Protection beyond borders –  the high seas should have protection against destructive trends such as pollution and the unsustainable fishing activities that happened in the past.
  2. Cleaner Oceans – “Toxic chemicals and millions of tons of plastic waste are flooding into coastal ecosystems, killing or harming all marine life and making their way into the food chain and ultimately being consumed by humans” (United Nations, 2023, June 19), thus harming marine life, but also humans. According to the UN, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean (United Nations, 2023, June 19). In 2021, more than 17 million tons of plastic were present in the ocean: this number is predicted to double or even triple each year by 2040 (United Nations, 2023, June 19). This Treaty contains provisions based on the “polluter-pays” principle and provides for signatories to carry out an assessment of the impact of environmental activities intended to be carried out outside of that party’s jurisdiction.  
  3. Sustainably managing fish stocks – the treaty will stop the trend of overfishing helping to restore fish stocks.  According to the UN, over a third of fish stocks are over-exploited (United Nations, 2023, June 19). The treaty emphasises the need to build capacity as well as for the transfer of marine technology and development of national regulatory frameworks.
  4. Lowering temperatures – The Treaty provides guidance for ocean management which will improve “ecosystem resilience” and help to counter the harmful consequences of climate change and ocean acidification, restoring the ecosystem’s original functionality and, in turn, its ability to cycle carbon.

Who is fighting for the ratification of the treaty? Mainly, it is the High Seas Alliance, with the help of the UN and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The High Seas Alliance is composed of 50+ non-governmental members who are all working together to achieve SDG14 and critically, to protect our oceans (High Seas Alliance, 2024a). Before the High Seas Treaty, there was no legally binding mechanism to conserve marine life and its ecosystems. At the time of writing, 104 countries have signed the High Seas Treaty (High Seas Alliance, 2024b), demonstrating their desire to consent to a new international law of the oceans. Individual countries now must ratify the treaty through their own legal process to make it national law. Once 60 countries do so, a 120-day countdown will be triggered, at the end of which the global agreement will enter into force, enabling a robust protection of our high seas and marine life.  

How close are we then to it becoming international law? So far, whilst 104 countries have signed the treaty, only 13 have ratified it (High Seas Alliance, 2024b). Some of this can be explained by the process of ratification and how it differs from country to country, some harder to do than others.  Impressively, all 27 EU members of the UN signed the High Seas Treaty – the ratification process must now take place at a national level. The High Seas Alliance have announced that they are hopeful to announce the 60+ ratifications in the 3rd UN Ocean Conference taking place in Nice, France, in June 2025. 

Is this initiative too late to make a real impact? If you asked the average citizen, they would most likely answer yes. It is this mindset that itself poses a huge risk to the future of our planet. Professor Heidi Toivonen of Twente university said “Climate change might push people towards a sense of complete loss of agency, the feeling that there is nothing we can do, especially as the question of whether it is already too late to prevent dangerous climate change is discussed in serious science circles” (Broom, 2023).  The most powerful thing we can do is to come together and work together to prevent a worsening of climate change. Great progress has been made since the signing of the 2016 Paris Agreement, with significant steps taken such as, of course, the High Seas Treaty. The answer to whether it is too late to stop climate change is no, but we must act together, raise awareness, petition our leaders and protect our oceans now.  

References

Albert, D. (2024, April 24). EU’s Approval to Ratify the High Seas Treaty: 101 Explainer – High Seas Alliance. High Seas Alliance. https://highseasalliance.org/2024/04/24/eus-approval-to-ratify-the-high-seas-treaty-101-explainer/ 

Broom, D. (2023, June 19). Too late to save the planet? Why this climate crisis myth is so prevalent – and problematic. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/06/too-late-climate-crisis-myth/ 

High Seas Alliance. (2024a). About the High Seas Alliance. High Seas Alliance. https://highseasalliance.org/about-us/ 

High Seas Alliance. (2024b). High Seas Treaty Progress Table. High Seas Alliance Treaty Ratification. https://highseasalliance.org/treaty-ratification/table-of-countries/

National Geographic. (2023, October 19). Ocean | National Geographic Society. Education.nationalgeographic.org. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ocean/ 

Oppenheimer M et al. (2019). Sea level rise and implications for low lying islands, coasts and communities, in IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/. 

United Nations. (2021). How is climate change impacting the world’s ocean. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/ocean-impacts 

‌United Nations. (2023, June 19). Beyond borders: Why new “high seas” treaty is critical for the world | UN News. News.un.org. https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/06/1137857 

United Nations. (2023). Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. https://www.un.org/bbnjagreement/en/bbnj-agreement/about-agreement

Earth: The Sea-Life

Artwork by Maximus Sanchez Francis

By Liyah Emeson, 13, UK

The SDG 14 (Sustainable Development Goal 14) is about ‘Life under Water’. The goal is “to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.” In other words, this means that they aim to protect water bodies and to use marine resources in a way that as the world continues to develop, the resources will not be depleted.

The Earth is a beautiful planet with different biomes and species of life. There’s wonderful marine life in the oceans and seas. However, some of these incredible species are becoming endangered due human causes like pollution, overfishing and many more. As a planet, we need to make an effort to preserve aquatic life and, fortunately, there are many ways to do this effectively. Let’s focus on marine pollution.

Marine pollution happens when chemicals and rubbish enter the oceans due to human activities. This pollution is very harmful as it can result in damage to the environment, which affects the health of all living organisms (including humans!) and economic structures across the world.

Marine pollution can be reduced by taking care of beaches and minding our carbon footprints. Simple things like reducing litter at the beach and using fuels that release less carbon can positively impact our waters making it a safe place for aquatic life to live and thrive in.

Nonetheless, marine pollution isn’t the only problem affecting life under water. There are many other factors that affect the oceans and we need to collectively continue to raise awareness of them in order to protect the safety of our waters and ourselves.

Can the New BNG Policy Improve ‘Life on Land’ in the UK?

By: Rowena Shivam, 18, UK

‘Halt biodiversity loss’ is a crucial part of Sustainable Development Goal 15. Globally, over 1 million animal and plant species are facing extinction (United Nations, 2019). The United Kingdom has the lowest level of biodiversity in the G7 but also one of the worst housing crises (House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee, 2021). House-building, along with associated infrastructure development like roads, transport and waste disposal, leads to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. This creates issues for sustaining life on land.

Over the last year, I have been following the development of a new UK law that could significantly improve our progress towards SDG 15: Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). BNG is a novel approach to land management that leaves biodiversity in a measurably better state than before any development. This policy could create or enhance up to half a million hectares of biodiverse habitat in the UK by 2030 (National Audit Office, 2024). Whether this level of success is achieved or not will be determined by the BNG Metric which analyses the size, condition, importance and location of new habitats. All new developments must generate at least 10% more habitat than previously existed in the area, helping wildlife to thrive (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, 2024).


BNG isn’t just for animals and plants; it can sustainably improve life on land for people too. It has increased the amount of land approved for new housing. Better access to nature will improve our physical and mental health. Increased vegetation will help reduce pollution and flash flooding. Even the economy is being boosted through BNG with new jobs in research, planning and legislation (The Environmental Agency, 2024).

However, there were some challenges that delayed BNG’s implementation. To better understand these issues I surveyed a group of 21 policymakers, homeowners, lawyers and conservationists. Only 38% believed BNG could significantly improve the UK’s biodiversity and 50% felt it might instead worsen our housing crisis by increasing prices. Nonetheless, BNG has now been mandatory since February 2024 and we are already seeing some early successes. I believe that with continued monitoring, evaluation and data collection over the next few years, this policy could help improve wildlife and human life on land in the UK.

References

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. (2024, February 12).
Understanding biodiversity net gain. GOV.UK.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-biodiversity-net-gain


House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee. (2021). House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee. Biodiversity in the UK: bloom or bust? First Report of Session 2021-22 HC 136.
https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/6498/documents/70656/default/


United Nations. (2019, May 6). UN report: Nature’s dangerous decline “unprecedented”; species extinction rates “accelerating” – United Nations Sustainable Development. United Nations. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2019/05/nature-decline-unprecedented-report/ 


National Audit Office. (2024). Implementing statutory biodiversity net gain.
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Natural England.
National Audit Office.
https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/implementing-statutory-biodiversity-net-gain.pdf


The Environmental Agency. (2024, April 2). The Environment Agency’s role in
Biodiversity Net Gain – Creating a better place.
https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/02/the-environment-agencys-role-in-biodiversity-net-gain/

Echoes from the Deep

Artwork by Clayden Botes

By: Advika Gupta, 14, India/UAE

Growing up in Mumbai, the Arabian Sea was more than just a backdrop to my life; it was a part of who I was. Family outings to Juhu Beach, school trips exploring coastal biodiversity—it all ingrained in me a deep love for the ocean. But in 2021, that love took on a new urgency. The severe floods that year, which turned the lively streets of Mumbai into rivers, made me realize just how vulnerable our oceans—and by extension, our cities—are to the impacts of climate change. The relentless rain and rising sea levels left us feeling helpless as our home slowly submerged. In that moment, I realized that the ocean’s cry for help wasn’t just something happening far away. It was right here, affecting our lives in ways we could no longer ignore.


Now living in the UAE, I find myself surrounded by a different yet equally fragile marine environment. The crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf have shown me the beauty of marine life but also its peril. I’ve travelled to various places, diving in the coral reefs of the Maldives, witnessing the bleaching of once-vibrant corals, and seeing plastic-choked beaches
in Southeast Asia. Each experience has deepened my resolve to act. The global scope of the problem is undeniable, but it’s the personal encounters with the degradation of these marine ecosystems that have driven me to take action.


Sustainable Development Goal 14, ‘Life Below Water’, is not just an abstract global objective, it’s a call to action that resonates deeply with me. In the UAE, I’ve joined local conservation groups focused on protecting the marine environment. One initiative that’s particularly close to my heart is our effort to restore seagrass meadows along the UAE coast. Seagrasses are often overlooked, but they play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. They provide habitats for marine life, act as carbon sinks, and protect against coastal erosion. Our team has been working to replant these meadows, and seeing them slowly come back to life has been incredibly rewarding.


I’ve also been advocating for the reduction of single-use plastics, organizing clean-up drives along the coastlines, and engaging with local schools to raise awareness about marine conservation. Seeing young students get involved has been incredibly inspiring. Some might wonder, can actions as simple as refusing a plastic straw or joining a beach cleanup really make a difference? But just as a forest begins with the planting of a single tree, these small, local actions are the seeds that can grow into a global movement, I hope. No effort is too small, and each one contributes to the broader fight to protect our oceans and combat the climate crisis.

As I look forward to the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia, in 2024, I carry with me the stories of these places, the memories of these endangered marine ecosystems, and the hope that our collective efforts can turn the tide. Protecting our oceans is a shared responsibility that transcends borders. It’s about ensuring that future generations can experience the same beauty and wonder that I was fortunate enough to witness as a child in Mumbai and now in the UAE. Do you hear the oceans crying out for help? It’s up to us to answer that call with the urgency and compassion it deserves.

Biodiversity in Crisis: Liberating Marine Life

Artwork by Lasya Priya Manala

By: Shubhi Batra, 11, India

Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), titled “Life Below
Water,” focuses on conserving and sustainably using the
oceans, seas, and marine resources. Oceans cover over 70%
of the Earth’s surface and are critical to sustaining life on the
planet. They regulate the climate, provide food and livelihoods
for billions of people, and house a vast array of biodiversity.
However, human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and
climate change are severely threatening marine ecosystems.
SDG 14 aims to reduce marine pollution, protect marine and
coastal ecosystems, regulate fishing practices, and ensure that
oceans remain healthy and productive. Achieving this goal is
essential for maintaining the balance of marine life, supporting
the livelihoods of those who depend on the oceans, and
ensuring a sustainable future for all.


Some ways biodiversity is severely harmed:

1. Marine Pollution 

Plastic Pollution: Oceans are  filled with millions of tons of  plastic waste each year, which harms marine life and ecosystems. Marine animals, like turtles, fish, and seabirds, often ingest or become entangled in plastic  debris, leading to injury or death. 

Chemical Pollution: Industrial  waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage, introduce harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals  and pesticides, into marine environments. These pollutants can cause  severe damage to marine species and disrupt entire ecosystems. 

2. Overfishing and Sustainable Fishing 

Overfishing: The depletion of fish stocks due to overfishing  threatens food security, livelihoods, and the balance of marine ecosystems. Many fish species are harvested at rates faster than they  can reproduce, leading to population declines.

Sustainable Fishing: Implementing sustainable fishing practices involves  setting catch limits, protecting endangered species, and using methods that minimize bycatch (the capture of unintended species). Sustainable fisheries management ensures the long term viability of fish populations and marine ecosystems. 

3. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) 

Importance of MPAs: Establishing Marine Protected Areas is  crucial for conserving marine biodiversity. MPAs restrict human  activities in designated regions, to protect vulnerable species and  habitats,allowing ecosystems to recover and thrive. 

Global Targets: SDG 14 aims to increase the coverage of MPAs, by setting a target to conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2030. These areas serve as safe havens for marine life, helping to maintain  healthy oceans.

The Buzzes Behind Biodiversity: The Often Overlooked Role of Insects

Artwork by Varvara Tretiakova

By: Raiyan Bakshi, 17, US

Insects… Pesky rashes, annoying buzz, disease vectors, overall nuisance. We usually don’t think of their tireless pollination, waste decomposition, and many other natural processes they facilitate.

The truth is insects, as pesky as they may be, are crucial for life on earth. We see them in everyday products from honey to silk. The health of our soil and food is heavily influenced by insects. They decompose organic matter and recycle these nutrients back into our soil, stimulating the nutrient rich crops we end up eating. While many think of insects as the pest, many of them like ladybugs, spiders and dragonflies, control pest populations, which also reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Furthermore, our ecosystems rely on them as a means of seed dispersal, pollination, or promoting biodiversity by being the primary food source for smaller animals.

Unfortunately, their survival, along with the benefits the Earth enjoys, are in danger. Intensive pesticide use in modern agriculture often stimulates too strong of a reaction for the natural balance of the ecosystem, not only wiping insect populations, but hurting the food web. Habit loss from excess urbanization and deforestation generally causes losses of biodiversity, but with insects it often has a compounding effect with many of their dependent species also hurt. Changes in climates and extreme weather patterns disrupts usual insect life cycle behaviours with crop flowering, diminishing their pollination rates.

These problems have no easy fix, but addressing them is necessary in our fight to protect our planet. Policies for sustainable agriculture and pesticide use, controlled land development, and dependency away from fossil fuels contributing to global warming are all steps in the right direction.

As we commit ourselves to saving our life on earth’s land, let’s not forget about our tiny allies promoting nature in our land, air and seas.

From Soil to Sky: The Rich Tapestry of Life on Land

Artwork by Aida Mugutdinova

By: Mahesh Mandavelli, 15, India/Poland

Did you know that the Earth experienced its warmest day in recorded history on July 22, 2024 with a global average temperature of 17.16°C (Copernicus Climate Change, 2024, July 25)? Annually, around one-third of the Earth’s geographical area is at risk of desertification (“The World Counts”, 2023). Furthermore, the populations of several species have experienced a significant decrease, with an average reduction of 69% since 1970 (Pullen, 2022, October 13). These concerning figures highlight the immediate necessity for taking action.

Forests, which occupy 30% of the Earth’s surface (Ritchie, 2021), have a vital function in mitigating climate change, offering sustenance and refuge, and  sustaining a wide range of ecosystems and indigenous communities. Approximately 1.6 billion individuals depend on forests for their means of subsistence (Chao, 2012). Although there is growing global recognition of land degradation, invasive species, poaching, and wildlife trafficking, these dangers persist and pose ongoing risks to the conservation of  biodiversity and the habitats of indigenous groups. If we do not take fast and coordinated action, there is a high probability that one million plant and animal species will become extinct. 

Land encompasses several elements such as trees, houses, humans, animals, climate, and more. In general, humans bring about alterations. Regardless of the circumstances,  global warming will persist until humans take action to alter the climate. In order to initiate a transformation, it is imperative that we address the issue of desertification and deforestation, starting with the soil. The second factor to consider is the climate. Upon cultivating the plants, we can observe the alteration in temperature. Once soil and climate conditions are established, human existence becomes intricately linked to the availability and quality of air and water. By refraining from polluting nature with substances such as plastic and petroleum gas, we can have tranquil lives. It is important to acknowledge that we are all interconnected in the intricate network of life, and our activities have an impact on every individual and element on Earth. The fact that everything is connected emphasizes our shared duty to safeguard our world. 

Each individual has the ability to contribute towards its accomplishment. Conduct  research on companies that implement sustainable packaging and other  environmentally conscious activities. Request the cooperation of your acquaintances  and relatives to initiate the practice of recycling and motivate all individuals within your  social circle to bring their personal bags when shopping at grocery stores. Utilize a  collection of durable utensils, drinking tubes, and a container for liquids such as a water  bottle or canteen. You have the ability to express your endorsement to both your local  and federal authorities. You can also educate others in your community on the ways in  which deforestation and land degradation contribute to climate change and the loss of  plant and wildlife diversity. Coordinate the establishment of a communal horticultural space or an arboreal planting occasion and emphasize the significance of engaging in  planting activities. It is important to bear in mind that each of us possesses the ability to  have a significant impact. The choices you make have significance and have the  potential to bring about change.

References

Chao, S. (2012). Forest peoples: numbers across the world(Vol. 10, p. 2017). Moreton-in-Marsh, UK: Forest Peoples Programme.

Copernicus Climate Change. (2024, July 25). New record daily global average temperature reached in July 2024 . Climate.copernicus.eu. https://climate.copernicus.eu/new-record-daily-global-average-temperature-reached-july-2024

Pullen, A. (2022, October 13). WWF Living Planet Report: Devastating 69% drop in wildlife populations since 1970. Www.wwf.eu. https://www.wwf.eu/?7780966/WWF-Living-Planet-Report-Devastating-69-drop-in-wildlife-populations-since-1970

Ritchie, H. (2021). Forest area. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/forest-area

‌The World Counts. (2023). Www.theworldcounts.com. https://www.theworldcounts.com/challenges/planet-earth/forests-and-deserts/global-land-degradation

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Marine Life

Artwork by Aqif Shairazee Abdul Rashid bin Othman

By: Deepesh Ayyapparaj, 12, India

Imagine a world where the ocean’s majesty is diminished, its vibrancy dulled, and its songs silenced. This is the reality we face if we don’t act to protect our planet’s marine life. This is the alarming reality we face today, a mystery of missing marine life unraveling before our eyes. But like any good mystery, there are clues and suspects, and with careful detective work, we can solve this case and restore the health of our oceans.


The Whodunit: Identifying the Culprits
The culprits in this mystery are not hidden villains; they are well-known to us, and they operate in plain sight. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing are the prime suspects in the disappearance of marine species. Rising ocean temperatures and acidification are altering habitats, making it difficult for creatures to survive. Pollution from plastics, chemicals, and agricultural runoff chokes our waters, harming marine life. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices deplete fish populations, disrupting the delicate balance of the ocean’s ecosystem.

The Detective Work
But there’s hope! By investigating our own impact on the ocean and making changes, we can crack the case of the missing marine life. We can reduce our carbon footprint, choose sustainable seafood options, and support conservation efforts. Community clean-ups, campaigns against single-use plastics, and advocacy for stronger environmental policies are all part of the detective work needed to solve this case.

The Verdict
The disappearance of marine life is a direct result of human activity. However, the verdict is not yet final, and we have the power to change it. By making conscious choices and advocating for the protection of our oceans, we can ensure that the verdict is one of hope and restoration. Let’s work together to bring the ocean back to life, hear its songs once more, and witness its majestic creatures’ return. The ocean is our shared heritage, and it is up to us to protect it.

Empowering Youth to Protect and Preserve Life Below Water

Artwork by Adeena Asif Mukadam

By: Adeena Asif Mukadam, 13, UAE

SDG Goal 14, “Life Below Water,” is about taking care of our oceans and seas. As a 13-year-old student from Year 8 at GEMS Cambridge School in Sharjah, UAE, I have seen firsthand how important it is to protect our oceans. I have been volunteering to clean up beaches and doing my part to make the ocean cleaner and safer for all the creatures that live there.


When I first started volunteering for beach cleanups, I was shocked by how much trash ends up in the ocean. Plastic bottles, bags, and even old fishing nets can be found tangled up on the shore. It made me realize that every little bit of trash we throw away can eventually harm marine life. That’s why I have made it my mission to keep raising awareness about ocean pollution in my school by creating posters and artwork. I have organized talks and activities to show my classmates why it’s so important to protect our oceans and how they can help.

One big part of this goal is to stop pollution in the oceans. As you can see in the artwork, a lot of plastic and other trash ends up in the water, hurting animals and even getting into the food we eat. The goal is to make sure we cut down on the amount of trash going into the ocean by 2025. This means everyone needs to work together to keep the oceans clean and safe. Through my experience, I have learned that protecting our oceans is not just about picking up trash – it’s about changing how we think and act. We need to be more careful about how we use plastic and make sure we recycle properly. I have also encouraged my friends and family to join beach cleanups and think twice before using single-use plastics.

Another part of the goal is about fishing. Overfishing is when people catch too many fish too quickly, which can make some kinds of fish disappear. SDG 14 wants to make sure that people fish in a way that doesn’t harm the fish populations. This means using better fishing practices and stopping illegal fishing so that there are always enough fish for everyone. Every small action we take can make a big difference.

Lastly, the goal is also about protecting places like coral reefs and mangroves that are home to many sea creatures. These places are in danger because of things like climate change and pollution. By protecting these areas and making sure they stay healthy, we can help the animals and plants that live in the ocean. In conclusion, SDG Goal 14 is about making sure our oceans stay healthy for the future. By volunteering, spreading awareness, and making smarter choices, we can all contribute to this important goal. I am proud to be doing my part, and I will keep working to ensure our oceans remain clean and full of life.