From leafy forests and flowery meadows to stretching plains and swampy wetlands, our planet is full of amazing natural habitats that are super important for life on Earth! Sadly though, human activity is causing some serious damage to these precious places – and it’s a problem we need to solve, fast! Let’s find out more about habitat destruction…    


Why are habitats important?

Natural habitats provide a home for lots of wonderful wildlife species – including tiny insects, colourful birds, fascinating reptiles and marvellous mammals! And they play a huge role in keeping our planet safe and healthy – much more than you might think.

Earth’s thick forests and vegetation are essential for cleaning our air. They absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide (which contributes to global warming) and release precious oxygen. Forests, meadows and wetlands also help to keep Earth’s water clean, and soil fertile. What’s more, they protect the land from floods and storms and even provide useful ingredients for medicines. So we really do need them!

What’s the problem?

Young Changemakers habitat destruction

Sadly, over time, humans have destroyed lots of natural habitats to make way for cities, transport systems, factories, mines and farms. This has meant clearing land by chopping down vast areas of forest and draining vital wetlands. And here’s the thing: when we destroy habitats, we’re not just losing these beautiful natural places, we’re losing all the important things they provide for the planet.

Clearing forests means more carbon dioxide is released into the air, causing climate change and more extreme, dangerous weather. Destroying natural habitats also puts the species that live there in serious danger, threatening our planet’s biodiversity.

Biodiversity refers to all the living things on our planet – including humans, animals, plants and even microscopic organisms, like bacteria! Believe it or not, all Earth’s lifeforms are connected – and through nature’s perfect balance we exist and thrive together. But since all living things depend on each other, losing even one single species can affect everything else around it – like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. So it’s vital we protect the natural world and every species that calls it home!

What can we do?

Luckily, there are lots of eco-warriors working hard to protect and restore natural habits all around the world. One such person is Ivanna, a KidsRights young Changemaker from Mexico!

Young Changemaker Ivanna Serret

Read all about Ivanna’s ongoing environmental mission in Mexico!

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

Check out the Dirt Is Good Academy and join other kids who are making the world a better place!

How you taken part in any rewilding projects? Leave a comment below and let us know!

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COMMENTS

  • Akshara Harish

    I was thinking about what can we do to help endangered species.Then atleast I got some tips on that.Thanks National geographic kids for that

  • wow I want to be a change maker too!

  • Jacqueline

    Lets do this!

  • Chloe

    WOW

  • monkey

    let's get started

  • Calvin

    I will take action and help the environment

  • vinnybonbinny

    it will really help the planet. well done!

  • Proffesor Mcdonals

    really helpful, thanks

  • ramon

    let's do this!

  • Tommy

    Let's do this!

  • David

    We have to act!

  • Alison

    This is all very true we should be very careful with our trees.We also want to protect the trees because animals can be in a lot of danger.

  • Noah

    This is great information.

  • Katt

    Amazing insparation

  • Kala Aka

    ʻIvanana! E hoʻomau i ka hana maikaʻi! Makemake au e like me ʻoe i koʻu wā e ulu ana akā he 5 wale nō koʻu mau makahiki. he aliʻi wahine paha wau. Ma ke ala, e Ivanna, he aha kāu holoholona punahele? Makemake au i nā unicorn akā ʻōlelo koʻu kaikuahine he pēpē loa ia akā ʻaʻole oʻu manaʻo. Makemake au i ka poni a me ka ʻulaʻula.

  • samuel

    save the world

  • R2D2JZYSY

    best information ever

  • Blwyddynchwch

    Try to be a better person!

  • scarlettkuenen

    Help the Earth.

  • Ana

    It's a good information

  • Tom

    I’m on the eco team

  • megan

    woooooow

  • Toffee9982

    So cool

  • Jackson

    so cool

  • good

  • rainyrain98

    hi

  • PURPLE VADER

    THIS IS A GREAT ARTICLE AND IT SHOWS OUR IMPORTANT PROBLEMS IN THE WORLD.

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