Tag: Biodiversity

National Parks at Risk: How Privatization Could Speed Up Climate Change

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Yosemite Valley, among the trees.
Yosemite Valley, among the trees, in June 2023. Credit: Diana Bald

America’s national parks are powerful and beautiful. They are scenic vacation spots and part of our shared heritage. They are home to countless wildlife species and natural protectors against climate change. Recently, concerns have grown about privatization—the idea of private companies taking over or managing aspects of our national parks. Why does this matter? Privatization could change how these lands are cared for, possibly speeding up climate change and limiting public access.

Below we’ll share what privatization is, why it’s happening, and how it might put our parks—and our planet—at risk. You’ll learn about potential harm to wildlife and ecosystems and see how private profit-seeking might increase carbon pollution. Finally, we’ll look at the different sides of the debate and share ways you can help protect these treasures for future generations.

What Is National Park Privatization?

Privatization of national parks means involving private companies in running parts of a park—or, in more extreme cases, selling park land. While the second option is very rare and highly controversial, there are other, more common ways private interests can step in.

  • Concessions: This is when private businesses manage hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, or gift shops inside a national park. A company might build and operate a lodge while paying fees to the government.

  • Public-Private Partnerships: The government owns the park but hires or partners with a private operator to handle daily services, like cleaning facilities or running visitor centers.

  • Outright Sale: In uncommon situations, park land could be sold to a private entity, meaning it is no longer publicly owned.

Why It’s Happening

Many parks have significant funding gaps. According to the National Park Service (NPS), national parks in the United States face an estimated $11.9 billion maintenance backlog, meaning there’s a lot of work that needs to be done—like fixing roads, upgrading water systems, and repairing trails—but not enough money to do it all. Some people believe private companies can fill this gap by bringing in their own funds and running things more efficiently.

Why Do People Worry About Privatization?

Privatization sometimes gives private businesses room to push for more development—like building bigger hotels or even introducing commercial activities in delicate areas. This can mean fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide, more greenhouse gas emissions from construction, and more energy use to support amenities like large resorts (Source: National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)).

Loss of Public Control

Our national parks belong to all of us. When for-profit companies take a bigger role, everyday citizens can lose their say in how these lands are used. Government agencies like the National Park Service aim to protect wildlife, natural beauty, and our shared heritage. Private companies have a duty to earn profits. These two goals don’t always line up.

Risk of High Prices and Limited Access

Private businesses often raise fees to cover costs and make a profit. That might include higher prices for overnight stays, guided tours, or even basic park entry. Imagine a scenario where only those who can pay premium rates get to enjoy our national treasures. That kind of setup could exclude families on a budget or students looking to learn about nature firsthand.

How Could Privatization Speed Up Climate Change?

Privately built hotels, roads, and resorts can encroach on forests or wetlands that store carbon. Removing trees or filling in wetlands releases carbon that was previously locked away in plants and soil, adding to the greenhouse gases warming our planet.

When privatization weakens environmental protections, there’s a chance that companies will seek permission to mine, drill, or log on public lands near or even within parks. Extracting natural resources not only increases carbon emissions but also disrupts critical habitats for animals and plants.

A private operator looking for higher profits might want to draw large crowds. More visitors can be wonderful for education and appreciation, but it can also mean more cars, heavier traffic, and longer lines, all leading to additional exhaust fumes and higher greenhouse gas emissions.

Harm to Wildlife and Ecosystems

Big developments like roads, fences, or commercial sites can cut wildlife habitats into smaller pieces. When animals can’t move around freely to find food or migrate, their populations may decline. This fragmentation makes ecosystems more fragile and less able to bounce back from natural disasters linked to climate change.

Reduced Biodiversity

National parks often safeguard a vast range of plant and animal species. Overbuilding, pollution, and noise can push away or endanger species—leading to a drop in biodiversity. Healthy ecosystems rely on a balance of predators, prey, and plants. When that balance is lost, the entire system can unravel.

Less Resilient Ecosystems

Forests, wetlands, and grasslands inside parks help lessen the worst impacts of climate change by storing carbon, stabilizing soils, and buffering against floods. If these areas become fragmented or polluted, they can’t protect us as effectively from the rising threats of wildfires, severe storms, or droughts (Source: United Nations Environment Programme).

Different Sides of the Argument

We’re stunned by the concept of loosing national parks that belong to all of us to private ownership of a few. Privatization supporters argue that private companies could bring much-needed funding, potentially fix aging facilities, and even offer new innovations—like using clean energy in park buildings. They also point out that private partnerships might generate jobs for local communities. Critics worry that a focus on profit could weaken conservation efforts, possibly leading to higher entrance fees that shut out families or lower-income visitors. They also warn that private operators may not face the same level of public oversight, which could make environmental regulations harder to enforce.

Arguments For Privatization

  • May bring more money to fix trails, roads, and park facilities.
  • Could create jobs in local communities, especially around tourism.
  • Potential for private innovation, such as using solar power in new building projects if the contract requires it.

Arguments Against Privatization

  • Profit motives overlook long-term conservation and climate goals.
  • Increased fees could limit public access and make visiting too expensive for many people.
  • Less accountability and oversight mean environmental standards may not be enforced strictly.

Actions Concerned Citizens Can Take

You don’t need a science degree or a powerful position to help protect our parks. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

  • Stay Informed
  • Speak Up
    • Contact your elected officials—call, email, or meet them at a town hall—and share your concerns about privatization proposals.
    • Write letters to local newspapers or post on social media to raise awareness.
  • Support Public Funding
    • Advocate for strong public budgets for parks. For instance, the Great American Outdoors Act helps fund maintenance and conservation projects without relying solely on private money.
    • Encourage your community to vote in favor of bond measures or other funding initiatives that keep parks public and well-maintained.
  • Volunteer and Donate
    • Donate to nonprofits dedicated to conservation and biodiversity.
    • Look for volunteer programs in local or national parks, where you can help maintain trails or educate visitors about conservation.

Final Thoughts

National parks belong to everyone. While privatization might seem like a quick fix to budget problems, it can have serious effects on our climate and on the health of these special places. Private operators could prioritize profits over the long-term well-being of wildlife and ecosystems, leading to more carbon emissions and less public involvement.

By staying informed, speaking up, and supporting strong public funding, you can help protect national parks for generations to come. Your voice matters in deciding how these natural wonders should be cared for. With a little effort, we can make sure our parks remain open, wild, and resilient in a changing climate—leaving a healthy legacy for those who come after us.

Sources

How Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change Are Impacting Children’s Health

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Group of children lying in a circle on a carpeted floor, smiling and laughing while looking up at the camera. The photo is framed with a colorful, crayon-like border featuring flowers, hearts, and tulips in vibrant colors like red, orange, pink, green, and yellow. The playful and cheerful design complements the joyful expressions of the children, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
Joyful Moments in Full Bloom

A Call to Action

The health of our planet and our children are closely linked. Biodiversity—the variety of life on Earth—plays a critical role in keeping ecosystems and people healthy. Yet, biodiversity is rapidly declining, and climate change is worsening its impacts. Children are particularly vulnerable to these changes, as their developing bodies are more sensitive to environmental stressors and they face a longer lifetime of exposure.

Understanding the Crisis

What Is Biodiversity and Why Does It Matter?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms on Earth, as well as the ecosystems they form. It ensures clean air, water, and food, regulates diseases, and supports human health in countless ways.

However, human activity—deforestation, pollution, and overuse of natural resources—has caused biodiversity to decline at an alarming rate. Combined with climate change, these losses create a cycle of destruction that threatens not just the environment, but also our health.

Why Are Children More Vulnerable?

The impacts of biodiversity loss and climate change are particularly severe for children due to their unique vulnerabilities. These include biological factors and social dependencies that make them less able to cope with environmental changes. For example:

  • Their immune, respiratory, and nervous systems are still developing.

  • They breathe more air and consume more food relative to their size, increasing exposure to pollutants.

  • They depend on adults to provide safe environments and resources.

Key Areas of Impact on Pediatric Health

Microbial Diversity: Building Immunity

Microbial diversity, found in soil, water, and plants, is essential for the healthy development of a child’s immune system. When ecosystems lose biodiversity, children lose exposure to beneficial microbes, leading to a range of health issues.

  • What It Does: Microbial diversity in soil, water, and plants influences the microbes children are exposed to, which is essential for developing strong immune systems.

  • The Problem: Biodiversity loss reduces exposure to beneficial microbes, increasing risks of allergies, asthma, and inflammatory diseases.

Green Spaces: Nature’s Healing Power

Green spaces with diverse plant and animal life provide much more than aesthetic beauty. They are critical for children’s mental, emotional, and physical health, offering restorative environments for growth and learning.

  • Benefits: Access to biodiverse green spaces improves physical activity, mental health, and cognitive development in children.

  • Evidence: Studies show that exposure to diverse plant and animal life in parks and gardens boosts children’s emotional well-being and attention spans.

Heatwaves and Flooding: Rising Risks

As climate change drives more extreme weather, children are facing increasing risks from heatwaves and flooding. These events not only cause immediate health threats but also disrupt the ecosystems that help protect against them.

  • Heat-Related Illnesses: Children are at greater risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration during heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

  • Flooding: Loss of ecosystems like wetlands, which absorb excess water, increases the risks of displacement, injury, and waterborne diseases.

Infectious Diseases: Expanding Threats

Climate change is enabling the spread of disease-carrying insects to new regions, putting children at a greater risk of infectious diseases. Biodiversity loss compounds this by reducing natural pest control systems.

  • Vector-Borne Diseases: Climate change allows disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes to thrive in new regions, increasing risks of illnesses like dengue and Lyme disease.

  • Children at Risk: With weaker immune systems, children are more susceptible to severe outcomes.

Air Pollution: Breathing Problems

The destruction of biodiversity-rich ecosystems contributes to worsening air pollution. For children, this means a higher risk of respiratory illnesses and developmental challenges.

  • The Link: Biodiversity loss contributes to air pollution as ecosystems that filter air—like forests—are destroyed.

  • Impact: Air pollution worsens asthma, bronchitis, and developmental issues in children.

Pediatric Medicine: Lost Potential

Biodiversity plays a key role in medical advancements. Many life-saving medicines have been discovered through the study of plants, animals, and microorganisms, a potential that is at risk with biodiversity loss.

  • Biodiversity’s Role: Many medicines are derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms. For example, antibiotics like penicillin come from fungi.

  • The Risk: Biodiversity loss could mean less availability of these medicinal sources.

Solutions and Mitigation Strategies

Ecosystem Restoration

Restoring biodiversity is critical for mitigating the impacts of climate change and creating healthier environments for children. These efforts can range from local projects like community gardens to global initiatives aimed at protecting ecosystems.

  • What Works: Rewilding efforts and urban planning that integrate biodiversity can restore ecosystems and improve air quality, reduce flooding, and create cooling effects.

  • Example: Restored urban green spaces have been shown to lower temperatures and improve local health outcomes.

Engaging Children in Biodiversity Initiatives

Getting children involved in biodiversity restoration not only helps ecosystems but also benefits their mental health and emotional well-being. These programs foster a sense of agency and environmental awareness.

  • Programs: Community gardens, tree-planting drives, and biodiversity education in schools.

  • Benefits: These activities not only improve ecosystems but also enhance children’s mental health, provide hands-on learning, and empower them to take action.

Policy and Community Action

Addressing biodiversity loss requires a collaborative effort across individuals, communities, and governments. Policymakers and organizations can create programs that protect and restore biodiversity while involving the public.

  • Global Initiatives: The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is an example of efforts to promote biodiversity worldwide.

  • Local Efforts: Schools and communities can push for greener policies, like protecting wetlands or creating more biodiverse parks.

Research Gaps and Future Directions

While we know biodiversity loss and climate change harm children’s health, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects. By addressing these gaps, we can create better solutions tailored to children’s needs.

  • More studies are needed on the long-term health benefits of biodiversity restoration.

  • Research should focus on how interventions, especially in underserved communities, can best support children.

Summing Up

Biodiversity and climate change are not abstract issues—they directly impact children’s health today and their futures tomorrow. From the air they breathe to the spaces they play in, children are deeply connected to the natural world. Protecting biodiversity results in safeguarding the well-being of the next generation.

Call to Action

We can restore biodiversity by planting native species, reducing waste, and supporting conservation organizations. Communities can demand greener policies, and governments must prioritize ecosystem restoration. Together, we can protect our planet and ensure a healthier, safer future for all children.

Source: Seastedt, H., Schuetz, J., Perkins, A., Gamble, M., & Sinkkonen, A. (2024). Impact of urban biodiversity and climate change on children’s health and well-being. Pediatric Research.

How a Wild Orangutan’s Use of Medicinal Plants Reveals the Secrets of Animal Intelligence

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Left: Pictures of Fibraurea tinctoria leaves. The length of the leaves is between 15 to 17 cm. Right: Rakus feeding on Fibraurea tinctoria leaves (photo taken on June 26, the day after applying the plant mesh to the wound). Scientific Reports (Sci Rep) ISSN 2045-2322.

Nature’s Ingenious Healers

In a new study documented in the lush rainforests of the Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia, a male Sumatran orangutan has been observed applying a biologically active plant to a facial wound. This intriguing behavior not only showcases the intelligence of orangutans but also opens new avenues in understanding the evolutionary origins of medicine. Here’s an overview of this fascinating study, which could reshape our understanding of non-human self-medication and its implications for natural healing practices.

Intelligent Healing: Orangutan’s Use of Medicinal Plants

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and several Indonesian institutions captured a rare and enlightening behavior exhibited by a male Sumatran orangutan named Rakus. After sustaining a facial wound, Rakus was observed selecting, chewing, and applying leaves from the Fibraurea tinctoria plant—commonly known as Akar Kuning—directly onto the wound. Over several days, he applied the masticated leaves and juice, effectively managing his injury.



Process of wound healing. Rakus fed on and later applied the masticated leaves of Fibraurea tinctoria to his facial wound on June 25. On June 26 he was again observed feeding on Fibraurea tinctoria leaves (see photo). By June 30 the wound was closed and by August 25 was barely visible anymore. Scientific Reports (Sci Rep) ISSN 2045-2322.

Fibraurea Tinctoria: Nature’s Pharmacy

Akar Kuning is not just any plant; it’s a cornerstone of traditional medicine in Southeast Asia, renowned for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The study highlights the presence of furanoditerpenoids and protoberberine alkaloids in the plant, compounds known for their antibacterial and healing capabilities. This suggests that Rakus’s choice of treatment was not coincidental but driven by an intrinsic understanding or learned behavior regarding the plant’s medicinal benefits.

Implications for Human and Veterinary Medicine

This behavior documented by the research team is among the first systematically observed case of a wild animal using a biologically active substance for wound treatment, providing invaluable insights into the potential origins of medicinal practices among humans.

Active wound treatment among great apes was only recently observed for the first time outside of the Sumatran orangutan. In Loango National Park, Gabon, researchers documented chimpanzees from the Rekambo community using insects as a form of medication. These chimpanzees applied insects to their own wounds and those of their peers, with nineteen instances of self-treatment and three instances where they treated other members of their community. This behavior provides further evidence of the sophisticated self-medication practices that exist within the great ape species.

The findings could have significant implications not only for understanding animal behavior but also for veterinary and even human medicine, offering natural alternatives or complements to synthetic drugs.

Evolutionary Perspectives on Health

The observation suggests that the use of medicinal plants is possibly an evolved trait among great apes, indicating that such practices could date back to common ancestors shared with humans. This behavior demonstrates a complex level of cognitive function and environmental awareness, suggesting that orangutans might be capable of health management practices that have evolved independently but parallel to human developments.

Future Research and Conservation Efforts

The study underscores the importance of continued research and conservation efforts in the habitats of orangutans. Understanding their behavior and environment not only helps protect these intelligent creatures but also aids in preserving the rich biodiversity of the rainforests, which holds untapped potential for medicinal discoveries.

Summing Up

The self-medication behavior exhibited by the Sumatran orangutan opens up new dialogues in both the scientific community and public sphere about the cognitive capabilities of non-human primates and their conservation. As we delve deeper into the natural world’s secrets, such studies are pivotal in bridging the gap between human and animal health practices, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.

By promoting awareness and fostering research in these critical areas, we can better appreciate our closest living relatives’ sophisticated behaviors and the natural resources that our planet has to offer. This study is not just a testament to the intelligence of orangutans but also a call to action for conservation and respect for wildlife and their natural habitats.