The continental United States loses a football field worth of natural areas every 30 seconds to the sprawl of cities, energy infrastructure, roads, pipelines, and other development. This loss of nature—accelerated by climate change—is a threat to the nation’s health and prosperity, affecting communities’ clean air, water, and defenses against severe weather, floods, and wildfires. In order to curb wildlife extinctions, fight climate change, reduce toxic pollution, and safeguard healthy natural systems, the United States must confront the conservation crisis head on.
Please join the Center for American Progress for a discussion on the nature crisis and what the nation can do to restore and protect public lands and natural areas. Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) will offer keynote remarks, and journalist Elizabeth Shogren will moderate a discussion with Sen. Udall and Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM).
Opening remarks:
John Podesta, Founder, Center for American Progress
Distinguished speakers:
Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM), Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM), Chair, House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands
Moderator:
Elizabeth Shogren, Reporter, Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting