MANILA, 2 March 2022 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) joins the celebration of World Wildlife Day tomorrow.
 
March 3 of each year marks the celebration of World Wildlife Day, in support of wild fauna and flora across the world and their role in ecosystems, and serves as a reminder to step up the fight against wildlife crime and human-induced reduction of species. The date also recognizes the day the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973.
 
This year’s theme, “Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration,” draws attention to the state of endangered and critically endangered wildlife, and to reverse their fate by implementing and supporting conservation and habitat restoration efforts. This aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero hunger) 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), 13 (Climate Action) 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land).
 
Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our wildlife. Intense storms destroy nesting trees, drown animals, spread invasive species, and damage marine ecosystems. Prolonged heat and droughts stress plants and animals and burn grasslands and forests. Seasonal changes in plant growth causes unsynchronized animal life cycles.
 
High temperatures lead to ocean acidification and bleaching of coral reefs, which countless marine species depend on for food and shelter. Warmer waters also cause changes in ocean currents, altering migration patterns. Melting of mountain glaciers and land ice threatens species located in the Polar region, while sea level rise affects coastal wildlife.
 
With the increasing numbers of endangered and extinct species, the CCC urges all sectors of society to work together to change the course by conserving threatened species and protecting their habitats from threats such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
 
By raising awareness and educating the people on the importance of supporting wildlife conservation and protection, we as humans can help chart a path towards a sustainable future, with the goal of living in harmony with nature.