To save species around the world zoos say deeper emission cuts are needed than governments are currently proposing. Over 200 zoos worldwide have signed a petition calling on governments to set the target of atmospheric carbon below 350 parts per million (ppm) far lower than most government targets.
The signatories, each a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), argue the target is necessary to prevent a mass extinction, which some ecologists warn is already occurring.
“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,” explains Paul Pearce-Kelly in a press release from WAZA. Pearce-Kelly is Senior Curator at ZSL and Chair of the WAZA Climate Change Task Force.
The target of 350 ppm, which is also the target of a number of high profile environmental groups, was agreed to at a meeting in July by scientists and conservationists, including conservation luminary Sir David Attenborough. The researchers agree that allowing carbon to stay above 350 ppm—as of March of this year it was at 387 ppm—will cause irreversible damage to the world’s coral reefs. Currently most government have set a target of 450 ppm.
“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, adding that “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.”
The zoos warn that if atmospheric emissions aren’t lowered below 350 ppm many of the world’s species may only survive in zoos—if they survive at all.
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