O if we but knew what we do
When we delve or hew —
Hack and rack the growing green
Binsey Poplars
felled 1879
Gerard Manley Hopkins
Our world is a lesser place with the possible extinction of the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly.
This checkerspot has been endemic to sub-alpine meadows in the Sacramento Mountains of southeastern New Mexico, near the mountain village of Cloudcroft. In recent years, its universe shrunk to just two square miles—an area about the same size as the UC Berkeley campus.
A death certificate could list six interlocking causes: overgrazing, climate change, altered wildfire regimes, invasive plants, pesticide use, and recreation. This reflects the relentless growth and spread of our own species with rampant disregard for the natural world.
Wildlife conservationists have strived mightily to save this butterfly. Some may still exist perhaps in Spud Patch Canyon, which includes Mescalero Apache sovereign tribal land.
The checkerspot’s fate exemplifies a shocking global decline in insect populations. We depend on insects to pollinate most crops. Pesticides—a major driver of insect decline—were part of the Green Revolution that dramatically increased crop yields—saving hundreds of millions of people from famine. As with climate change, the bill is now coming due and must be paid one way or another.
To make things even worse, like some deranged movie villain, the Trump administration has taken a chainsaw to environmental protections—magnifying threats to a host of endangered species.
It may be too late for the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot, but there is still time to save the estimated one million species now threatened with extinction.
Summing up wisdom handed down 20 centuries ago by Hillel the Elder: “If not us, who? If not now, when?”
You can read more about the connections between population and biodiversity loss here.
Noteworthy Comment on The Aging Connection:
Whatever your age or means, every so often look in the mirror and ask yourself, “How can I make the world a better place?”. Whatever your answer, it is the right answer for you. Think in terms of the three T’s – Time, Talent, Treasure.
Treasure – Especially for older people, it is easier to calculate how much money (treasure) you need to make it to the finish line. The rest should be put to work NOW. Putting a clause in your will is nice, but the world needs it NOW. So, find a charity whose efforts align with your goals for a better world, and donate. For me, Population Connection is one of those charities.
Talent – Everyone has talent. It can be as simple as volunteering to help out at a soup kitchen, cleaning cages at the humane society, or planting a pollinator garden at your home. Or use your knowledge and experience by serving on a board in your community.
Time – Whatever your treasure or talent can do, it takes time. Make the time. Sitting around doing things that you enjoy is great. But at the end of the day, or the end of your days, what is the legacy that you will leave behind? Make the time to make the world a better place.
Richard Rosen
Frankfort, KY
