As we are getting closer and closer to our next election here in the United States, I wanted to talk about how you can make a difference with your vote and the impact that policy has on conservation and climate. Before I get into this one I want to start by saying, my blog and platform is by no means centered around politics and I don’t aim to make anyone feel targeted based on political preference.

I know this topic can get heated (to say the least…) and my intention is not to spark any anger but instead to look at policy as a means to improve our natural world and ability to conserve species. I hope that everyone who continues reading this post can read it with an open mind!

What role does policy play

In the last year or so I think the role policy plays in our natural world has become increasingly apparent, but for so many, policy is mostly equated with the economy, unemployment rates, and immigration. Looking at all the changes that have been made in the United States alone under our current administration, it is getting harder to deny that policy is a major player in the success of conservation efforts.

From the Paris Agreement, protection for endangered species, the import and export of animal trophies, oil drilling and mining in once protected land, and environmental protection. With every law and protection that is lifted, our livable years on this planet decrease.

Conservation

Lately, I’ve talked to a number of people about unfortunate situations happening worldwide. Such as, trophy hunting of elephants and rhinos in Africa. Unfortunately, with issues such as this one, when people ask me what they can do to make change, all I can suggest is contacting state representatives and trying to get more policy implementation.

When looking at something like trophy hunting, even if you aren’t participating, it’s happening. And the only thing that will make it end is policy implementation. Now, we don’t have much control over the legality in African countries, but we do have control over the legality in our country of origin. African countries may make it legal to export trophies and may offer a number of hunting permits per year, but if your home country makes it illegal to import your kill, how many people are really going to want to engage in this activity?

This is a prime example of how policy can provide protection to a species. The same goes for the endangered species act which provides protection to animals whose populations are dangerously low. If this policy was never enacted, there are a number of species we have now that would have been lost long ago, like those pictured below.

Climate

There has been so much talk about climate in the last few years, and thank goodness for that! It’s a huge issue that really needs intervention at a policy level to create lasting changes. It’s up to the governments worldwide to create policies around emissions, land destruction, plastic pollution… among so many other environmentally harmful activities.

As individuals we can easily cut back on plastic and waste, but when it comes to the corporations responsible for large amounts of emissions and pollution, it takes government level regulation to cut that down. These corporations are the ones with so much responsibility in our changing climate but have no reason to change their ways until they have no other choice.

Currently in our world

Right now we are at a turning point. Amidst a global pandemic, approaching a new presidential election in the United States, and watching our climate shift and change right before our eyes. While there are many who are embracing the changes that need to be made and are committing to doing their part in small ways by eating less meat, using less single use plastic, and/or being more environmentally conscious, we are still fighting an uphill battle.

With the current administration in the United States wanting to open up the arctic for drilling and allowing large corporations to continue polluting the planet, it is up to all of us to speak up and vote for what we believe in. We cannot achieve a more socially and environmentally sound society without using our voting power.

Yes, we need protests, and we need education, we need people to stand up and speak out. But all of that is futile if none of the people who are speaking the loudest are voting for something better. We are in a critical turning point right now, if we do not start making changes, the impact that we’re making on the earth and on each other is going to be irreversible.

In a world where anything can be sold, where money is the apple of our eyes and any means necessary to increase cash flow will be taken, it is time to reevaluate. The prioritization of profit over welfare has taken its toll on our planet, and will continue to do so if we do not start voting for something different. We are the voices of our earth and we need to advocate, for health, human rights, equality, climate justice, wildlife protection, marginalized groups, black lives, all people of color, animal rights… because what good is the economy if nobody is around to benefit from it?

Hope for a better future

It’s not about parties, colors, or debates… it’s about coming together to create a better future. It’s about taking a stand and protecting what only we have the ability to. I could not care less what political party you associate with, that is not what defines any of us. We are defined by what we fight for and what we prioritize.

I hope that one day I will be known as somebody who fought for the betterment of our world, who prioritized justice and welfare over money and power. As we approach a critical voting cycle here in the United States… I encourage you to ask yourself, what do you want to be known for? Which side of history do you want to be on? Regardless of where you live or your beliefs, please use your privilege and voice to vote for a healthier planet.