Why Anatole France said, until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened
Forests are key drivers that stabilize the ecosystem. They not only protect biodiversity, keep the carbon cycle intact but also support livelihood and sustainable growth. No wonder it is often stressed upon that we keep in mind the wellbeing of animals and forests. Or else the world might just gradually fall apart. We’ve already begun to lose beautiful landscapes and see major changes in the climate. Unless we want to see an apocalyptic scene come to life, necessary action must be taken.
How Animal Welfare Day came into being
World Animal Day was originally practiced as the feast of Francis of Assisi, who was a patron saint of ecology. He was known for his kindness and empathy towards animals. It was only in the year 1931, when the World Animal Day was globalized at a conference at Florence, Italy. This was held by World Animal Protection Organization.
Climate change and shapeshifting animals
Our ecology majorly depends on the welfare of animals. The welfare of animals in turn depends on preservation of forests and how mindfully we walk on the planet on a daily basis.
Climate change is not only a human problem; animals have to adapt to it as well.
Extinction of many animals has already disrupted the ecosystem. In recent times “warm-blooded” animals are shapeshifting and getting larger beaks, legs, and ears to better regulate their body temperatures as the planet gets hotter. Bird researcher Sara Ryding of Deakin University in Australia describes these changes in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. Nature and everything she homes adapt to the changes we bring, but for how long? It is bound to affect us drastically at some point. We talk about how humans or technology can adapt to these changes in the environment, but little about how it might be affecting animals. The study also says that shapeshifting might only be a way for them to survive, not evolve. We are still uncertain about the other consequences it may have, so who’s to say it won’t be something harmful?
Save forests and animals and you save the planet
Over 350 million people live within or adjacent to forested areas all over the world. Relying on the forests for the most basic needs. Around 28% of the world’s land surface is managed by indigenous peoples, including some of the most intact forests. These spaces are not only central to their economic and personal well-being, but also to their cultural identities. Forests and all species dependent on them are at crossroads owing to the multiple crises we are facing- biodiversity loss, climate change, economic crunch due to the pandemic, to state a few.
The goal of Animal Day is to raise the status of animals and forests in order to improve welfare standards around the globe. The celebration unites the animal welfare movement, mobilizing it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals. The French poet Anatole France’s rightly said that only by loving animals can we awaken as a human race. Because, isn’t that the ultimate goal, to find a way to live harmoniously? So, today we seek to celebrate these forest-based livelihoods, promote sustainable and compassionate practices that keep in mind humans, animals, plants that complete the circle of life.
If this resonated with you, and you’d like to say something more- contribute to us (check here) and get featured!
