30x30 is a plan to conserve a minimum of 30% of all lands and waters worldwide by 2030.
Americans are ready to commit to this goal. Four out of five voters nationwide favor the 30x30 plan. The majority of voters in Colorado and throughout the West support more conservation. They see the plan as reasonable, achievable, and good for the economy and people. It does allow for some lands to be grazed, logged and fished in a sustainable way.
We are realizing that this is a planetary emergency, with the climate crisis and massive species extinctions. Worldwide, scientists are warning us, up to a million species are at risk of extinction, if we don’t take action to tackle the climate crisis and protect more lands.
I see these changes in my own backyard. Widespread death of piñon and other trees, drastically fewer insects, birds, frogs and mammals, and many native plants are struggling to hold on. Colorado fish are being hit hard.
Understandably, people who work in farming, ranching and oil and gas are nervous about these changes. It is hard and scary to change methods or give up careers that have always been there. These workers and their families need help to safely transition into more sustainable ways to earn a living. This is where government and free enterprise at their best can help us through.
It will be difficult, but the rewards will be tremendous, for us, our grandchildren and all the creatures in this precious creation.
Kate Grayson
Ignacio
