“The value of being outside in green space is so clear – it has tremendous value for our mental and physical health.”
Conservation biologist James Snider, vice-president of science, knowledge and innovation at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada, last year led the national wildlife protection assessment that systematically identified priority places for the protection of wildlife and carbon storage.
Society is at a pivotal point, says Snider, senior author of the Living Planet Report Canada 2020 on biodiversity. Globally endangered species have declined by 42 per cent in Canada, while the WWF’s global report shows wildlife fell by two-thirds in less than 50 years.
Climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply interwoven, Snider says, yet there are glimmers of hope: “If dedicated action is taken to address root causes, we can be absolutely successful.”
Proudest moment
“Launching the flagship Living Planet Report in 2017, the first major update in more than a decade, an accomplishment that my team put together. That report had a lot of gravitas to it.”
Concordia’s setup for success
“It was critical. The Co-op program and its nature conservation internship is tailored to practitioners. It provided me with real tools and significant skills that were directly applicable at WWF and that gave me a foothold in the conservation milieu. That’s where I got my first job. The courses in statistics and remote sensing became the cornerstone of my career.”
Inspiring professor
“Program leader Kathryn Roulet was very supportive. Ours was a small, tight-knit community of people who have gone on to interesting careers.”
The pandemic and the environment
“In the first shutdown, we saw nature coming back to our urban and suburban environments. If we give nature space, it can flourish. Second, after much time in isolation, the value of being outside in green space is so clear – it has tremendous value for our mental and physical health.”
Career advice
“Passion can be contagious. Find your niche and the opportunity to be with people who are driven.”
Words of wisdom
“The 2017 and 2020 Living Planet reports were not a surprise for the conservation community. The writing was on the walls and the reports made it clear. The time for action is now.”