Illustration: LoCO.

In October 2020, California Governor, Gavin Newsom, issued an executive order pledging to conserve 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. In January, President Joe Biden announced a similar effort, calling for conservation of 30 percent of the United States land and water by 2030. But what do these executive actions mean and will they move the needle on our climate and biodiversity crises.

Gang Green examines the potential of the “30x30” movement and the potential for disappointment. After all, more than 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters are already held by the public, so “conserve” must mean something additionally, right?

AUDIO:

“The EcoNews Report,” May 29, 2021.

REQUIRED READING:

The Biden administration has a game-changing approach to nature conservation,” Vox, May 7, 2021.