March 3 marks World Wildlife Day — a time to reflect on the devastating impact of human activity on wild species. One of the greatest but often-overlooked threats to wildlife is animal agriculture (“Public hearing planned for solar project proposed on agricultural land in Westminster,” Feb. 20).
Expanding pastures and feed crops drive deforestation that displaces countless animals and destroys biodiversity. Fishing pollutes and depletes marine ecosystems while pollution from factory farms contaminates waterways. Shockingly, animal agriculture is responsible for 60% of global biodiversity loss.
If we truly care about protecting wildlife, we must address the root cause: our food choices. Shifting toward a plant-based diet reduces habitat destruction, conserves water and protects ecosystems. This World Wildlife Day, let’s commit to safeguarding wild species — not just in words, but in action.
— Addison K. Chantz, Bethesda
The writer is associate executive director of the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM).
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