No Time for Monkeying Around – 350’s the Limit, World’s Zoos Unite Over Climate Change
Zoos and aquariums will become the last places on Earth to see species such as polar bears and coral if climate change negotiations fail at Copenhagen, warns the global zoo community.
London, United Kingdom, December 02, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Over 200 zoos belonging to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) have signed a petition calling on governments to set targets of atmospheric CO2 below 350ppm in order to prevent the next mass extinction.
Leading scientists and conservationists, including Sir David Attenborough, agreed at a crisis meeting in July that coral reefs undergo irreversible damage beyond the 350ppm boundary.
“From seahorses to golden-headed lion tamarins, zoos and aquariums play a crucial role in breeding endangered species for reintroduction into the wild. However, the climate change threat to the natural world is so severe that we’re rapidly losing suitable habitats for these species,” says Paul Pearce-Kelly, Senior Curator at The Zoological Society of London and Chair of the WAZA Climate Change Task Force.
“The urgent protection of ecosystems, which act as natural carbon sinks, is vital if humanity is to avoid the fate of runaway climate change. Our only hope is that world leaders respond to this reality and take the appropriate action,” says WAZA President, Dr. Mark Penning.
He adds: “Climate change is not just another issue for the zoo and aquarium community to address, it is the chess board which will determine the outcome of all our conservation efforts.”
Zoos engage with over 600 million visitors a year, giving people their first experience of some of our planets most remarkable species. If government leaders are unable to broker a deal, for many people zoos will be their last chance to experience the diversity of life on earth.
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Editorial Notes
WAZA, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has a mission to guide, encourage and support the zoos, aquariums, and like-minded organizations of the world in animal care and welfare, environmental education, wildlife conservation and environmental research. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums is the "umbrella" organization for the world zoo and aquarium community. As of 2009 WAZA has some 300 members and reaches out to about 1300 institutions via the regional association members. Its members include leading zoos and aquariums, and regional and national Associations of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as some affiliate organizations, such as zoo veterinarians or zoo educators, from all around the world. Together they are 'United for Conservation'. Good zoos and aquariums are concerned about the global loss of biodiversity and therefore committed to conservation. Therefore conservation of biodiversity and sustainability are of core interest to WAZA and its members. WAZA has developed global strategies where climate change is playing a growing and very important role. For further information please visit: www.waza.org
Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity: our key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. The Society runs ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, carries out scientific research at the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation overseas. For further information please visit http://www.zsl.org/conservation/climate-change/
For further information on the 350 campaign, visit: http://www.350.org
Leading scientists and conservationists, including Sir David Attenborough, agreed at a crisis meeting in July that coral reefs undergo irreversible damage beyond the 350ppm boundary.
“From seahorses to golden-headed lion tamarins, zoos and aquariums play a crucial role in breeding endangered species for reintroduction into the wild. However, the climate change threat to the natural world is so severe that we’re rapidly losing suitable habitats for these species,” says Paul Pearce-Kelly, Senior Curator at The Zoological Society of London and Chair of the WAZA Climate Change Task Force.
“The urgent protection of ecosystems, which act as natural carbon sinks, is vital if humanity is to avoid the fate of runaway climate change. Our only hope is that world leaders respond to this reality and take the appropriate action,” says WAZA President, Dr. Mark Penning.
He adds: “Climate change is not just another issue for the zoo and aquarium community to address, it is the chess board which will determine the outcome of all our conservation efforts.”
Zoos engage with over 600 million visitors a year, giving people their first experience of some of our planets most remarkable species. If government leaders are unable to broker a deal, for many people zoos will be their last chance to experience the diversity of life on earth.
###
Editorial Notes
WAZA, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has a mission to guide, encourage and support the zoos, aquariums, and like-minded organizations of the world in animal care and welfare, environmental education, wildlife conservation and environmental research. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums is the "umbrella" organization for the world zoo and aquarium community. As of 2009 WAZA has some 300 members and reaches out to about 1300 institutions via the regional association members. Its members include leading zoos and aquariums, and regional and national Associations of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as some affiliate organizations, such as zoo veterinarians or zoo educators, from all around the world. Together they are 'United for Conservation'. Good zoos and aquariums are concerned about the global loss of biodiversity and therefore committed to conservation. Therefore conservation of biodiversity and sustainability are of core interest to WAZA and its members. WAZA has developed global strategies where climate change is playing a growing and very important role. For further information please visit: www.waza.org
Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity: our key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. The Society runs ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, carries out scientific research at the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation overseas. For further information please visit http://www.zsl.org/conservation/climate-change/
For further information on the 350 campaign, visit: http://www.350.org
Contact
ZSL London Z00
Victoria Picknell
02074496361
http://www.zsl.org/conservation/climate-change/
Zoological Society of London
Regent's Park
London
NW1 4RY
Victoria Picknell
02074496361
http://www.zsl.org/conservation/climate-change/
Zoological Society of London
Regent's Park
London
NW1 4RY
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