California is the nation’s most populous state and home to more diverse species and ecosystems than anywhere in the U.S. It’s a global biodiversity hot spot, but that biodiversity is also disappearing at one of the highest rates. Direct action by all Californians can help reverse this trend.
September 7, 2019 marks the first official celebration of California Biodiversity Day, an annual event created last year to celebrate the state’s exceptional biodiversity and encourage actions to protect it.
California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot encourages all Californians to get out and explore nature – including link opens in new tab or windowstate parks, wildlife areas and ecological reserves – as part of a biodiversity open house on September 7-8, 2019.
Things to know about California’s biodiversity
- California is the most biodiverse state in the U.S. and one of the most biodiverse regions of the world.
- California is a biodiversity hot spot because of its unique geography, climate, geologic history and size.
- California’s network of terrestrial protected lands covers 46% of the state.
- More than 30% of California’s species are threatened with extinction.
- California biodiversity supports ecosystem services that benefit people and the economy, including carbon sequestration, timber production, crop pollination, soil fertility, tourism and recreation.
- The value of the benefits generated by rich ecosystems and species diminishes as biodiversity is lost.
- Ecosystems with higher biodiversity are more stable and resilient to stressors and climate change.
A WORLD 2 CELEBRATE 