Half Earth

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. 

Planetary Health Library : Half Earth

NameAuthorDateType
Global Warming of 1.5 Degrees Celsius Reports
Planetary Health Alliance Websites
Global Climate Aciton Summit September 12-14, 2018 Websites
UNFCCC Momentum for Change Initiative Publishes Annual Report Leila Mead August 23, 2018 Reports
ecoAmerica Websites
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication Websites
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Websites
The Paris Agreement Publications
Climate Change Shorts Andrew Revkin Videos
Carl Safina Websites
The Safina Center Websites
What are Animals Thinking and Feeling? Carl Safina October 2015 Videos, Presentations
The Power Forest Carl Safina Blog Post
In Defense of Biodiversity: Why Protecting Species from Extinction Matters Carl Safina February 12, 2018 Essays
Biodiversity isn’t just pretty: it future-proofs our world Elizabeth Boakes August 7, 2018 Blog Post
MOL: Map of Life Websites
Jetz Lab: Global Biodiversity, Ecology & Conservation Websites
Biodiversity may prove to be the defining issue of our age July 25, 2018 Publications
E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Websites
Mapping Species for Half Earth 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 July 30 Blog Post
Half Earth Project Websites