The '30 by 30' Framework Sets an Ambitious Goal for Nature Conservation

Last year, an international group of scientists published an article in Science Advances proposing a "Global Deal for Nature," a plan to save biodiversity by protecting nearly 30% of the world's waters and lands by 2030. "They wrote that setting aside nearly one-third of the planet from human development could avert 'points of no return' for many species and ecosystems," reports Sammy Roth. The Convention on Biological Diversity is expected to adopt the preventative plan.

Roth reflects: "You may have heard the statistic that the U.S. loses a football field’s worth of nature every 30 seconds. The data point can start to sound meaningless if you hear it too often, but stop and think about it. Every 30 seconds? That’s astounding." California's recently Assembly Bill 3030 cites the statistic and sets state-wide legislation adopting the framework. 

Global Deal for Nature authors consider the "30 by 30" goal as a starting point, hoping to extend the effort to 50% by 2050.