Luke Allen

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Something from the old journalist days: Protecting 1.2% of Land as Nature Preserves Could Prevent Majority of Extinctions, Study Finds

June 26, 2024 — In a landmark study, scientists have unveiled a critical strategy that could significantly mitigate the ongoing global biodiversity crisis. The research reveals that protecting just 1.2% of the Earth's landmass—approximately 63,300 square miles—could prevent many species from going extinct. This conservation effort targets 16,825 high-priority sites identified as crucial for the survival of rare and threatened species.

The urgency of this conservation initiative is underscored by the accelerating rate of species extinctions driven by habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. The study's findings suggest that adding this relatively small percentage of land to the current 16% already designated as protected areas can establish a more resilient and comprehensive network of nature reserves. The time for action is now, and your support is vital in this critical moment.

The estimated cost for this ambitious project is $263 billion. While this figure may seem daunting, it reflects the initial investment to secure and protect these vital ecosystems. Notably, this estimate does not include ongoing maintenance and management costs, which are essential to ensuring the long-term viability and effectiveness of these protected areas. Despite these additional costs, the potential benefits of biodiversity preservation and ecosystem health are vast and irreplaceable.

Many of these high-priority sites are located in biodiversity hotspots such as the Philippines, Brazil, and Indonesia. These countries collectively host half of the identified critical areas. These regions' rich and unique ecosystems are home to numerous endemic species that face heightened extinction risks. Consequently, the successful implementation of this conservation strategy will require substantial international cooperation and support, particularly for these biodiversity-rich nations.

The study focuses on land and freshwater ecosystems, deliberately excluding invertebrates from its scope. This targeted approach aims to provide a clear and actionable conservation plan that prioritizes habitats with the highest biodiversity value and immediate conservation needs. While invertebrates are also crucial to ecosystem health, the study's emphasis on vertebrates and plants enables a more streamlined and impactful conservation strategy.

The broader implications of this research are profound. By protecting a strategically selected 1.2% of the planet's land, humanity has the unprecedented opportunity to safeguard a significant portion of the Earth's biological heritage. This approach not only addresses the immediate threats to biodiversity but also enhances ecosystem resilience, supporting services that are vital for human well-being, such as clean water, air, and fertile soil. Your support in this endeavor benefits not only the planet but also our own lives.

The findings of this study present a compelling case for targeted conservation efforts. The proposed protection of 1.2% of Earth's land, in conjunction with existing protected areas, could serve as a cornerstone of global biodiversity conservation. The call to action is clear: through strategic investment and international collaboration, we can make a lasting impact on preserving the planet's most vulnerable species and their habitats, securing a healthier and more biodiverse future for all. Your potential involvement in this global effort is crucial and can make a significant difference.

Here's some of that Journalism, a current story...Intermittent Fasting Works — But Your Age Changes the Whole Story
Intermittent fasting might look like the universal weight‑loss hack, but new research says the truth is far messier — and way more age‑dependent than anyone expected.

A massive review of 28 clinical trials (1,800+ adults) confirms the headline: fasting helps you lose weight at any age. But here’s the twist — how your body responds depends heavily on whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s. The scale drops for everyone, but the internal effects are completely different.

The Catch: Muscle Loss
The study found that a big chunk of weight lost during fasting isn’t fat — it’s muscle. Usually, 20–30% of weight loss is lean mass, but one trial showed a shocking 65% muscle loss. That’s especially dangerous for older adults already fighting age‑related muscle decline.

The fix? Protein + resistance training. Fas­ters who exercised kept their muscle and burned mostly fat. One group even lost 5 kg of fat with zero muscle loss.

Another Surprise: LDL Goes Up
Despite improvements in blood sugar and triglyceride levels, LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels actually rose across age groups. Translation: if you fast, monitor your cholesterol.

Bottom Line
Fasting works — but not equally. Treat it like a tool, not a miracle. Lift weights, eat protein, check your lipids, and tailor your approach to your age.

A.I. photo of Freya, my 11-week-old pup, as an adult