One in four mammals facing extinction

The International Union for Conservation of Nature says that an "extinction crisis" is under way with one in four mammals in danger of disappearing forever because of habitat loss, hunting and climate change.

Within our lifetime hundreds of species could be lost as a result of our own actions.

We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.

Visit the Earth Charter, and take the pledge for a better planet.