The concept of Half Earth was developed by the eminent sociobiologist E.O. Wilson. Wilson observed “There can be no purpose more inspiring than to begin the age of restoration, reweaving the wondrous diversity of life that still surrounds us.”
Wilson and his colleagues have projected that if we protect half of the earth’s lands and seas that are richest in biodiversity, and the corridors that connect them, that 85% of all species could survive. This will also support the conditions for ecological regeneration. To do so, these areas must be set aside as legally protected, natural ecologies. Several nations, included the United States, are aiming to protect 30% by 2030. It’s a good start, but not enough. To truly get to half earth, we are not only going to have to protect vast ecosystems such as the boreal forest, we are also going to need to invest in their restoration.
Jeremy Malczyk, Michelle Duong, Ajay Ranipeta, Chris Heltne, Walter Jetz of Map of Life, Yale University, and the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Half-Earth Project