- Conservation Nation
- January 13, 2022
- Conservation Nation
- January 13, 2022
When I say conservation, your mind probably jumps to elephants hunted for their ivory, trees being clear-cut and burned for farmland, endemic populations threatened by competition from invasive species, piles of garbage floating in the ocean, and melting polar ice caps as a result of climate change. While these are some of the most significant issues facing our planet, conservation delves much deeper, protecting the smallest creatures, the largest whales, and everything in between.Fundamentally, a conservationist seeks to help preserve species and natural resources. However, I believe that anyone who loves wildlife is a backyard explorer, lobbyist, biologist, environmental advocate, along with a multitude of other conservation professions. Even someone who shares a post about protecting the environment on social media or actively recycles has taken on a conservationist role. In a larger sense, it is a conservationist’s job to advocate for all species.Young people can get involved in simple ways in their communities to make a difference:
- Plant a garden
- Reduce waste
- Recycle
- Organize a beach cleanup
- Speak up for wildlife to your county, city, or state leaders when new construction threatens wildlife habitats
- Share what you are doing to protect the environment with your friends on social media
- Start a club at your school
The more you share your advocacy for wildlife and conservation with people, the better!
As aConservation Nation Youth Advisor, I believe that a lack of education on environmental issues is one of our world’s biggest threats. In many areas across the globe, people do not understand the consequences of their actions on the planet. They might want to help the environment but don’t know how to get started or maintain a sustainable lifestyle. People may not have the resources or the knowledge necessary to implement fundamental changes. They may face economic consequences to protecting particular species and not be aware of creative solutions that will allow economic progress while protecting wildlife.
As President of my school’s Lend a Paw Service Club and a Mentor Volunteer at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, I believe the easiest way to spread awareness about conservation issues is to go out into the community and talk to people. While working on my Girl Scout Gold Award project, “Advocating for Animals,” I taught students and youth about animal welfare, so when they grow up, they value the environment and make a concerted effort to help preserve species.
In my future career, it will be crucial for me to utilize the skills and knowledge I learned as aConservation Nation Youth Advisory Councilmember to help motivate the next generation of students to love wildlife and take the necessary steps on both a personal and governmental level to help save our planet.
My attendance at theWashington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE), service on the Conservation Nation and WYSE Youth Advisory Councils, and speaking at national speech competitions about wildlife extinction and human-wildlife conflict have transformed my determination to help preserve wildlife into a desire to become an environmental lawyer. I plan to go to congress to help lobby for more (and stricter) environmental policy. My goal is to educate people on how we can work together to save our species and our home and inspire others to help save the planet.
Lauren is a Conservation Nation Youth Advisory Council member. She is a high school senior in coastal Florida and intends to study environmental law in college.
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As an environmental enthusiast and someone deeply involved in conservation efforts, my commitment to the cause is evident through years of hands-on experience and active participation in various initiatives. Serving as a Conservation Nation Youth Advisor and holding leadership positions such as President of the Lend a Paw Service Club at my school, as well as a Mentor Volunteer at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, has provided me with invaluable insights into the intricacies of conservation.
My dedication to environmental issues is further demonstrated by my involvement in prestigious events such as the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) and speaking at national speech competitions focused on wildlife extinction and human-wildlife conflict. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding but have also fueled my determination to make a lasting impact on the conservation landscape.
Now, let's break down the key concepts used in the provided article:
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Conservation: The article emphasizes that conservation goes beyond popular images like elephants and deforestation. It involves protecting all species, from the smallest creatures to the largest whales, and encompasses a wide range of efforts.
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Conservationist Roles: The piece highlights that anyone who loves wildlife can play a role in conservation. This includes backyard explorers, lobbyists, biologists, environmental advocates, and even individuals who share environmental awareness on social media or practice recycling.
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Youth Involvement: The article encourages young people to get involved in conservation in simple ways within their communities. Suggestions include planting a garden, reducing waste, recycling, organizing beach cleanups, and advocating for wildlife to local leaders.
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Education and Awareness: The author points out that a lack of education on environmental issues is a significant global threat. They stress the importance of spreading awareness and educating people on the consequences of their actions, as well as promoting sustainable lifestyles.
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Advocacy: The author, as a Conservation Nation Youth Advisor, emphasizes the role of advocacy in conservation. They believe that going into the community, talking to people, and educating them about conservation issues are effective ways to spread awareness.
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Personal and Governmental Action: The article underscores the need for individuals to take personal steps in conservation, such as sharing their efforts on social media and starting clubs at school. Simultaneously, it acknowledges the importance of governmental action and the role of environmental policies.
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Future Career Goals: The author expresses a desire to utilize the skills and knowledge gained through their involvement in various youth advisory councils to motivate the next generation and pursue a career in environmental law. They aspire to lobby for more stringent environmental policies in Congress.
In summary, the article advocates for a holistic approach to conservation, involving individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on youth engagement, education, advocacy, and the importance of both personal and governmental actions in preserving the planet.
