The earth faces two environmental emergencies brought about by human actions. The reality of the climate crisis became inescapable for many people during the unprecedented wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and droughts in the summer of 2021. Though equally grave, the second crisis, the extinctions crisis—which threatens the lives of a million species of plants and animals—has remained more hidden and out of the headlines. Fortunately, there is some hopeful news: the extinctions crisis has a solution, and in 2022 the whole world will assemble to face this growing calamity.
“Half Earth” is the shorthand name for what needs to be done. The science is clear: most species can survive if at least half their original habitat is protected over the next 30 years, and so the goal is 50 x 50—protect half the earth by 2050. In May 2022, 196 countries will meet in China to take the first big step: 30 x 30, 30% by 2030.
Tony Hiss’s beautifully illustrated talk, based on his book, Rescuing the Planet: Protecting Half the Land to Heal the Earth, published to excellent reviews in 2021, presents the problem, the solution, and his own further reasons for optimism. Traveling around North America from Canada to Mexico, from the Rockies to Florida, he met with extraordinary people and groups that, years before the China meeting, were already working tirelessly and inventively to save our continent’s beloved landscapes and iconic species. Hiss also shares information about the many ways anyone can join this movement.
Tony Hiss is the author of 15 books, including the award-winning The Experience of Place. He was a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine for 30 years, and a visiting scholar at New York University for 25 years. He lives in New York City with his wife, the writer Lois Metzger.
New Topics 2021-2022
The 2021-2022 season of New Topics is a five-part lecture series showcasing regional and national speakers from a broad range of disciplines exploring topical issues. The series runs October through April. The 2021 lectures will be presented via the Zoom platform. The 2022 winter and spring lectures may be in-person; that decision will be made by the end of the year. Each Zoom lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time on the date listed; tickets are $10. Reservations can be made below or by calling the New College events hotline at 941-487-4888.