Endorses 30x30 plan

Montana is a state with much to offer. Spectacular wildlands offer abundant recreational opportunities that help fuel the state’s economy and provide critical habitat for numerous wildlife species. Unfortunately, its leaders have come out against an initiative that would protect these lands, nature and life on earth.

Montana Gov. Gianforte and officials who report directly to him, Amanda Kaster, DNRC; Hank Worsech, FWP; Christoper Dorrington, Department of Environmental Quality; Christy Clark, Department of Agriculture; and Michael Honeycutt, Department of Livestock; have gone on record against the 30x30 initiative.

The goal of the 30x30 initiative is an ambitious, science-based call to action to conserve 30% of land and water across the globe by the year 2030 to mitigate global climate change. Human activity has impacted over 75% of land across the globe. Countless species are at risk of extinction. In total, a scientific assessment completed by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services estimates that “1 million of an estimated 8 million animal and plant species worldwide are threatened with extinction as a result of habitat loss, exploitation of nature, climate change, pollution, and invasive alien species.” The 30x30 initiative has the capacity to stop the loss of biodiversity, and hopefully begin to reverse some of the negative impacts of human activity.

This initiative has huge bipartisan support (77-95% according to American Nature Campaign cited research) but Montana’s short-sighted leaders apparently are not invested in securing a safe and healthy land for our children and grandchildren.

There are over 340 U.S. non-profit groups that endorse the initiative. To oppose this international initiative is to oppose the will of the people. 30x30 is supported by a majority of governments across the globe. The extent of support appears to be growing. According to a Pugh Foundation report, 122 countries have signed on.

If the goal of enhancing climate change resiliency can be met, the effect on all people and the planet would be positive.

Perhaps those supporting Gianforte and his officials who have come out against 30X30 should ask themselves if they can bear the responsibility for the future of our precious planet as it becomes increasingly unlivable.

Mary Alexine

Co-leader

Northwest Montana Great Old Broads for Wilderness