Biodiversity Hotspots

What is a Hotspot?

Conservation International has identified 34 biodiversity hotspots around the world. Hotspots hold especially high numbers of endemic species, yet their combined area of remaining habitat covers only 2.3 percent of the Earth's land surface. Each hotspot faces extreme threats and has already lost at least 70 percent of its original natural vegetation.

What are the problems and solutions in the hotspots?

• Africa and Madagascar
  For Africa to meet its pressing needs, wisely using its abundant natural resources may be the continent’s best bet. To help in this effort, the UN has declared 2009 The Year of the Gorilla.
  
  
• Asia-Pacific
  The Asia Pacific offers conservationists one of the best opportunities to nurse the environment back to health. Despite concerns about the demands placed on the environment, paradise still abounds.
  
  
• Europe and the Middle East
  From bike lanes in Paris to development bank investments in conservation, Europe’s vision for a sustainable future is clear.
  
  
• North and Central America
  North and Central America drive worldwide change – for better and for worse. The United States is the largest greenhouse gas emitter, and Central America’s deforestation rates are proving dangerous.
  
  
• South America
  In the Amazon and the Andes, South America guards the world’s largest supply of fresh water, one our most basic survival needs.

What is the most pressing issue in the hotspots?

EXTINCTION is the gravest aspect of the biodiversity crisis: it is irreversible.

Is there anything I can do to help?

Every 20 minutes a species is pushed to the brink of extinction. That's 1,000 times the natural rate of species loss. Sign the CI petition and voice your concern for the survival of plants and animals worldwide.

Signing a petition isn't enough. What other actions can I take?

• Become Informed: The first step toward being a responsible green citizen is knowing the issues and taking time to think about them.
  
  
• Travel Sustainably: Next time you go on vacation or need to take a business trip, consider ways you can cut down on carbon emissions.
  
  
• Become a Green Consumer: It is becoming easier and easier to know what effects the things you buy have on the environment.
  
  
• Spread the Word: It will take a green revolution to reverse current trends. Use the social networks to tell everyone to get on board
  
  

Living green means knowing, acting, and sharing.

CALCULATE YOUR IMPACT

Every choice you make either helps or hurts Earth. Even a small reduction in consumption can make the difference between what's lost and what's saved. Know your impact and then make positive changes in your lifestyle. Act Now. Go to the carbon calculator.

Measure your Eco Footprint

We all have an impact on Earth, an ecological footprint left behind by our activities and consumption. Size up your footprint by taking this quiz.

Protect an Acre

• Every 4 hours a forest the size of Manhattan is razed and climate change is worsened.
  
• Help protect acres of forest, one mouse click at a time.
• Agriculture for meat production is a leading cause of ecological destruction. Eat green.
  
  
  
  
  
  Green living means thinking about climate change and energy use.
  It means thinking about biological diversity
  and the well-being of those who draw their livelihoods from nature.
  Living Green takes effort.
  But isn’t Earth worth it?
  Aren't you worth it?
  Aren't our children?
  Aren't our grandchildren?
  What will you do TODAY?