In a world grappling with the pressing challenges of environmental conservation and coexistence with wildlife, CNN’s Call to Earth steps into the spotlight, shedding light on the intricate relationship between urban landscapes and the wilderness that surrounds them. Airing on CNN International on Tuesday, 28th November at 08:30 BST, the special half-hour show delves into the conflict between human activity and the planet’s diminishing wildlife, emphasizing that this clash is not confined to remote rainforests or ocean depths but is palpable in the heart of bustling cities.
India’s Striking Dilemma: With India recently surpassing China as the world’s most populous nation, the juxtaposition of rapid population growth against limited natural reserves becomes apparent. Despite having only five percent of its terrain designated for nature, India boasts the highest number of tigers and Asian elephants globally.
Conservation biologist Dr. Krithi Karanth, the Executive Director of the Centre for Wildlife Studies, addresses the challenge of fostering coexistence between communities and wildlife. Highlighting the conflicts arising when large mammals encroach upon human settlements, she discusses a pragmatic compensation program that has mitigated hostility and reduced retaliatory actions by local communities.
Singapore’s Balancing Act: Singapore, a rapidly developing city, has increased its natural cover to nearly half its land area over the past three decades. However, exponential human population growth still exerts pressure on its natural resources. The Raffles’ banded langur, one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates, faces threats from habitat fragmentation. Primatologist Dr. Andie Ang, dedicated to saving these langurs, emphasizes the delicate balance between development and nature conservation. The city’s green bridges serve as vital passageways for animals, highlighting the importance of maintaining habitats to ensure the survival of endangered species.
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Tasmania’s Conservation Initiatives: Turning the spotlight to Tasmania, the program explores the island’s ancient ecosystems and the efforts of a new generation of conservationists determined to preserve its ecology. As the University of Tasmania expands, it collaborates with local conservationists to transform carparks into habitats for little penguins.
While Tasmania moves towards a more sustainable future, the shift to clean energy production, including the proposed wind farm on Robbins Island, raises concerns about potential impacts on the habitat of precious species like the Tasmanian Devil. Environmentalist Bob Brown reflects on the dual dilemma of species extinction and climate change, emphasizing the urgency of preserving natural areas.
CNN’s Call to Earth Day: The program is part of CNN’s third annual Call to Earth Day, a global initiative engaging schools, individuals, and organizations to raise awareness of environmental issues and promote conservation education. Partnering with entities worldwide, CNN leverages its global presence for a day of action, reinforcing the message that our planet is worth protecting.
“Call to Earth: Our Shared Home” transcends traditional boundaries, showcasing the interconnectedness between urban spaces and the wilderness that envelops them. From the heart of India’s conflicts between communities and wildlife to Singapore’s delicate balancing act between development and conservation, and Tasmania’s conservation initiatives in the face of clean energy challenges, the program serves as a poignant reminder of the need for global awareness and action.
As CNN’s Call to Earth Day encourages a collective effort to protect our planet, the show inspires viewers to reflect on their roles in preserving the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world. In a world facing environmental challenges, the call to Earth is a call to responsibility, urging us to be stewards of a shared home.
