PORTER Magazine's Fourth Annual Incredible Women List Celebrates The Women Who Have Empowered And Inspired Us This Year

Meryl Streep (photographed by Nicolas Guerin)

The starting point for the 2018 Incredible Women list was the #MeToo movement that erupted last October, when sexual-misconduct revelations in the film, fashion and other industries broke. This was an extraordinary catalyst for change. 

"We are looking at a fast-changing world, where women are not only less afraid to speak out and challenge the status quo, but are also effecting real change both in the workplace and society as a whole," says PORTER Magazine editor-in-chief Lucy Yeomans.

Protestors at the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. (Via PORTER Magazine)

This sense of bravery, strength and purpose inspired this list's theme "One Year Stronger", which champions the women who have taken action and spoken out – whether about sexual abuse, gender equality, gun control or equal pay – in an unprecedented show of force and intent.  

The list opens with a special nod to the 300 women behind Time's Up, including Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Chastain and Ashley Judd. Other leading global heroines featured include: Michelle Obama, Meghan Markle, Frances McDormand, Oprah Winfrey and journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who broke the Harvey Weinstein story in The New York Times.

PORTER Magazine also commissioned four Incredible Women to write open letters, including Meryl Streep, who pens why we need journalists now more than ever: 

"We need to protect, defend and thank the current crop of journalists around the world, because they, their scruples and their principles are the front-line defense of free and informed people.

Speaking up, with your name and face on your words, is a daunting prospect. A famous study found that, for a quarter of the American population, fear of public speaking beat their fear of drowning, needles, snakes, heights or clowns. Scarier than clowns!? The study was conducted before the advent of the internet; now, anonymity allows the timid to hurl falsehood and invective as if they were swinging nunchucks, hitting and hurting without fear of attribution (or retribution)… Death threats are the new normal. Armed escorts for the press could be the next new thing..."

⏩ Click here to read the full letter ⏪

SOURCE: PORTER Magazine

Are Millennials Interested in Art? Yes, New Park West Gallery Study Finds

Millennials almost twice as likely to say they know something about or appreciate art as Baby Boomer generation

Millennials are much more interested in art than previous generations, and social media may be driving their attraction to it, according to a new study conducted by Park West Gallery, one of the world's largest private art galleries.

Millennials are almost twice as likely as Baby Boomers to say they both know something about art (63% to 34%), and almost universally agree that they appreciate art, the research found. In fact, four out of five Millennials said that art was important to them, the highest percentage of any age group.

"Some people believe that Millennials are tied to their smartphones, and therefore might be less interested in the fine arts. In fact, just the opposite appears to be true: there's a generational shift in which younger people are more attracted to art than older generations," said Albert Scaglione, founder and CEO of Park West Gallery. "During the auctions we hold around the world, we see more young people every day, and we witness the personal connection that people of all ages have to art. Art was always created to inspire, and people today are craving that inspiration as much as ever."

The study also found that social media is driving additional interest in art among all demographics, especially Millennials, allowing people to find and interact with art in new ways. 

⏩ Some of the other key findings include:

• 53% of people say they have interacted with art on social media
• 55% say that social media plays an important role in discovering new art
• 54% say social media enhances the way they experience art
• 79% of Millennials say social media allows them to interact with art in new and interesting ways, versus 61% and 37% of Gen X and Baby Boomers, respectively
• 65% of Millennials say they buy artwork with the intention of sharing it with others on social media, versus 45% and 25% of Gen X and Baby Boomers, respectively.

The Internet and social media have become powerful tools to learn about and discover art, but when it comes to buying, most Americans (87%) still want to see it in person before purchase. 

While the internet is the most popular method to learn about art, retails stores (33%), street fairs (29%) and art auctions (12%) are still the most popular ways to buy it.

"New tools are giving people exciting new ways to learn about and experience art – collections are no longer just on our walls but in our pockets," said Jason Betteridge, an auctioneer at Park West Gallery. "But while social media is a part of our future, we can't lose the in-person connection."

While the vast majority of Americans (91%) like art, most still view it as a luxury, and economic concerns still prevent some from purchasing. Although most Americans have purchased at least one piece of art, the majority (57%) of Americans would not consider buying artwork that costs more than $500.

79% of Millennials say social media allows them to interact with art in new and interesting ways, versus 61% and 37% of Gen X and Baby Boomers, respectively (PRNewsfoto/Park West Gallery)

Park West Gallery commissioned the survey to understand the state of art among average Americans in our digital age, speaking with 1,000 people from a diverse array of socio-economic backgrounds.

SOURCE: Park West Gallery

President Donald Trump And Attorney General Sessions Lack Support For Breaking Up Tech, New NetChoice Survey Finds

Americans Prefer Ad-Supported Online Services Instead of Paying for Them (Infographic via NetChoice)

Americans overwhelmingly value the contributions of the technology industry and do not support antitrust enforcement, despite aggressive rhetoric from President Trump, a new NetChoice survey of 1,200 U.S. consumers found.

President Trump's draft Executive Order would put tech in the crosshairs of U.S. antitrust authorities. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is also holding a meeting with several State Attorneys General today to discuss accusations of social media bias. 

⏩ But Americans don't support an antitrust crack down on America's most innovative businesses.

New polling shows that only about 5% of Americans (on both sides of the political aisles) say the federal government should focus anti-competitive enforcement on the tech industry. 

Further, just 1 in 5 Americans say the break-up of big tech would most benefit consumers.

No Support for Heavy-Handed Government Intervention on Tech Platforms (Infographic via NetChoice)

The value of tech to consumers and businesses is clear.

Over 70% of Americans say that digital advertising platforms like Google and Facebook are valuable to both small businesses and the national economy. 

Just 13% say that they have had a negative experience with large Internet platforms and 72% say that services like Facebook, Google, and Amazon make it easier for them to connect with people in their community.

Consumers Are Empowered with Social Media Choices (Infographic via NetChoice)

"President Trump's fixation on breaking up tech platforms lacks support from Americans," said Steve DelBianco, president of NetChoice. "Antitrust policy needs to be guided by facts, not emotional outbursts. The government cannot violate the First Amendment by forcing Internet platforms to suppress negative news. Internet platforms are a boon for American consumers, businesses, and, in turn, the U.S. economy. The President should listen to regular Americans and allow U.S. tech companies to continue to thrive and innovate."

Americans Believe Online Platforms Empower Business Advertising and Community Engagement (Infographic via NetChoice)

About the Survey:

From August 6-8, 2018 Zogby Analytics conducted an interactive survey of 1,222 adults focused on consumer attitudes toward Internet platforms and government regulation. 

⏩ The survey, commissioned by NetChoice, has a margin of error of +/- 2.8%.  It is available at NetChoice.org/TechlashPoll

SOURCE: NetChoice

Beauty and the Wheelchair: Mary Settle Releases New Book "The Mansion," A Story of Acceptance

Mary Settle

How many times have you seen somebody who was different and felt afraid?  Maybe he walked different.  Maybe he talked different.  Maybe he could not talk at all.  

In her new book, The Mansion, Mary Settle takes the classic tale of beauty and the Beast, and turns it into a lesson on accepting people with disabilities.

The story starts with a high school student who was assigned to tutor a boy in a wheelchair.  Afraid that the rumors about him being an angry and mean boy are true, she dreads meeting the awful boy in the wheelchair.  

As she gets to know him better, she learns that he is just like everybody else.  

This is an issue that is particularly close to Settle's heart.  She was born with Cerebral Palsy which affects her entire body.  She describes herself as having "a handicap and a disability.   A handicap is something that creates obstacles designed to overcome.  A disability means you're not abled.  My handicap is Cerebral Palsy.  My disability is people who treat me like I'm not abled."

The Mansion - Front Cover (via Amazon)

Her Cerebral Palsy was caused by the umbilical cord getting wrapped around her neck during birth.  

Despite doctors' predictions that she would be a vegetable, unable to think, dream, or feel, she has graduated high school, went to college, and is raising three beautiful daughters.

⏩ The Mansion can be purchased on Amazon 

SOURCE: Mary Settle

Ontario Science Centre Presents STEAM-Powered Stories As Part Of Nuit Blanche Toronto 2018

Ontario Science Centre 2018 Innovation in Mas' Award Winner - The Rise of the Cherry Blossoms (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre)

Experience the city through the lenses of art and science this Nuit Blanche Toronto at the Ontario Science Centre, where science, technology, engineering, art and math converge to fuel STEAM-Powered Stories. 

For the first time, the Science Centre participates in Nuit Blanche Toronto to offer free art projects and interactive experiences from 7 p.m. on September 29 to 7a.m. on September 30. 

In addition to free shuttles connecting the TTC Scarborough Line (Lawrence East) to the Ontario Science Centre, free shuttles will connect the Ontario Science Centre, Aga Khan Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum.

"Scientific and artistic inquiry are remarkably similar. Both are attempts to make sense of the world around us, and both require a great deal of creativity and imagination," said Maurice Bitran, PhD, CEO and Chief Science Officer, Ontario Science Centre. "Participating in Nuit Blanche Toronto provides a unique opportunity for the Science Centre to foster the creative synergies between science and art, inspire curiosity about our ever-changing world and fuel future innovation."

STEAM-Powered Stories explores the Nuit Blanche Toronto theme "You Are Here" through a variety of hands-on activities, interactive experiences and art installations that blur the lines between science and art. 

Featuring live science demonstrations and roving performers, STEAM-Powered Stories includes:

Star Party | 7 p.m. to midnight: 

An opportunity to star gaze in style, visitors celebrate the night sky through telescope observing, smartphone astrophotography, guest speakers and an astronomy-themed musical performance by The Calderons. Telescope observing is weather dependent. 

Presented in collaboration with Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Toronto Centre.

Science Slam! | between 7 p.m. and midnight: 

An artistic view into the lives of scientists, this poetry slam-style event allows event-goers to dive into scientific experiences in STEAM and observe the natural connections between science and art.

Light Play | 7 p.m. to midnight: 

In this interactive experience, the event goer becomes the artist through light painting, a technique that involves a moving light source and long-exposure photography. Using "light brushes," participants paint a scene with colours, flashes and streaks and receive a digital image of their masterpiece. 

Presented in collaboration with Blinky Lights Toronto.

Wear Your Art on Your Sleeve | between 7 p.m. and midnight: 

In this hands-on workshop, designer Michelle Reyes, recipient of the Ontario Science Centre's 2018 Innovation in Mas' Award, leads participants through a crash course on carnival costume design — from wire bending to beading — to create take-away, wearable art.

Six-Word Scratch | 7 p.m. to 7 a.m: 

Attendees are challenged to tell their personal story on a graffiti wall in six words as it relates to the Nuit Blanche Toronto theme "You Are Here."

Green Screen Magic | 7 p.m. to midnight: 

Choosing from a variety of science-themed backdrops, event goers drop themselves into the thick of science through chroma key compositing technology (a.k.a. green screen) and receive a digital image.

Nuit Bazaar | 7 p.m. to midnight: 

Featuring food vendors and retail stalls, the Nuit Bazaar showcases an impressive cross-section of cuisine and cultures. 

Presented in collaboration with the Thorncliffe Park Women's Committee.

Rise of D Cherry Blossoms | 7 p.m. to 7 a.m: 

A feat of engineering artistry, Rise of D Cherry Blossoms highlights the innovation involved in costume-making for the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Michelle Reyes (Saldenah Mas-K Club), Rise of D Cherry Blossoms designer, received the Ontario Science Centre's 2018 Innovation in Mas' Award for her original and daring design. Installation is weather dependent. 

Presented in collaboration with Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

This Storm is You (Nuit Blanche Toronto Independent Project) | 7 p.m. to 7 a.m: 

An immersive, multimedia project from Toronto-based photographer and installation artist Zahra Saleki, This Storm is You explores the simultaneous feelings of death and rebirth often associated with immigration. 

The project's visitors experience the challenge of immigrating, surviving and adjusting through dance, light, photography, sound and video. This Storm is You aims to capture a story of becoming and transferring.

COLour Odyssey Vol.II (Nuit Blanche Toronto Independent Project) | 7 p.m. to 7 a.m: 

An aesthetic and intellectual experience, COLour Odyssey Vol. II by Toronto-based artist and designer Yaw Tony comprises colour and storytelling to complicate the theme "You Are Here." 

COLour Odyssey Vol. II, a digital projection, explores three aspects of colour: hue, intensity and value. The project is also packed with hidden statements to compel and challenge viewers to identify what's concealed.

First Nations Storytellers | between 7 p.m. and midnight: 

A meaningful cultural connection, Debajehmujig Theatre Group, a First Nations performing arts group based out of Manitoulin Island, gives a storytelling performance that aims to build bridges between cultures. 

The group travels throughout the country and is the first and only professional theatre company with based on a Reserve in Canada. 

Presented in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum and Culture Days.

Art on the Move | between 7 p.m. and midnight: 

The art follows you in this multicultural expression through movement, sound and style. 

Performers from around the world roam the grounds to expose visitors to creative expression from different spaces and places.

Performers include Tassa drummers, Toronto's only hip-hop brass band T.Dot Bangerz Brass, presented in partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, and performers of classical Indonesian dance, presented in partnership with the Thorncliffe Park Women's Committee.

⏩ STEAM-Powered Stories is a free event. 

⏩ During Nuit Blanche Toronto, select areas of the Ontario Science Centre are open to the public. 

⏩ The Ontario Science Centre is located at 770 Don Mills Road. 

⏩ Food and beverages are available for purchase.

SOURCE: Ontario Science Centre

US Senators to Betsy DeVos: Stop Violating Workers' Rights

The union representing nearly 4,000 Department of Education employees nationwide, the American Federation of Government Employees, is echoing a call from three U.S. Senators for the department to return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair, just, and legal contract

Three U.S. Senators are calling on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to stop denying workplace rights and protections to nearly 4,000 Department of Education employees who are represented by the American Federation of Government Employees.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, joined with Sen. Kamala Harris of California and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts in sending the Sept. 20 letter to Secretary DeVos.

They urge Education to comply with a July finding of a Federal Labor Relations Authority investigation that the department violated federal labor law by failing to bargain in good faith with AFGE and unilaterally imposing its own proposal on 3,900 federal employees represented by AFGE.

"It is in the best interest of the U.S. Department of Education to have a positive and constructive working relationship with its workforce," the senators wrote. "Therefore, we urge you to return to the negotiating table to work in good faith with the employees' union to reach a fair and equitable contract, and to adhere to the 2013 collective bargaining agreement until negotiations are complete."

After months of anti-union proposals and hostile behavior at the bargaining table, Department of Education management told AFGE in March that it would not negotiate and would instead implement its own terms. The so-called "collective bargaining agreement" imposed by management is an illegal management edict that guts employee rights, including those addressing workplace health and safety, telework, and alternative work schedules.

President Trump issued three executive orders in May that largely aimed to expand Education's anti-union proposals governmentwide. In August, however, a federal judge ruled in a lawsuit first brought by AFGE that the administration's actions violated the U.S. Constitution and laws providing checks and balances in the federal government by attempting to deny more than 2 million federal workers their legal right to representation.

"It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that this Administration as a whole does not take seriously its bargaining obligations under the Statute, evidenced by the issuance of the illegal, anti-bargaining Executive Orders together with the growing prevalence of bad faith bargaining behavior across federal agencies," the senators wrote.

AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. thanked the senators for their leadership and echoed their call for Education to return to the bargaining table.

"Secretary DeVos' anti-worker crusade has not slowed down one bit since the FLRA's ruling and the judge's decision – if anything the department is more resolved than ever to keep denying workers their rights," Cox said. "I urge Secretary DeVos to order her management team back to the table so we can negotiate a fair, just, and legal contract, which all employees deserve."

AFGE logo. (PRNewsFoto/American Federation of Government Employees)

⏩ The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

SOURCE:  American Federation of Government Employees

Amazon Biopic Of Legendary Argentine Soccer Great Maradona Begins Production

Amazon Biopic Of Legendary Argentine Soccer Great Maradona Begins Production 

Amazon Prime Video will soon share the story of the world's most famous soccer star, Diego Armando Maradona. 

The biopic series will look back at his life from infancy through to his present life and his journey playing for Barcelona, Napoli, Boca and leading his national team as captain for Argentina. 

Co-produced by Dhana Media, BTF Media and Raze, the companies behind the biopic, have announced the actors will each play a different stage in Maradona's life, accounting his adolescence in Villa Fiorito throughout his turbulent time in and off the field. Nicolas Goldschmidt (Farsantes) will interpret Maradona's early years as a footballer; Nazareno Casero (Stories of a Clan) during his rise to fame and Juan Palomino (Truth Consequence) in his darkest days.

"Collaborating with Dhana Media and BTF Media, to tell a story of global interest in a completely international production, represents both an enormous challenge and a great pleasure," said Mari Urdaneta, Chief Content Officer of RAZE, the Latino Digital Media Company backed by Sofia Vergara. "Diego is considered to be the best player in the history of soccer and is world renowned from his many controversies and high-profile life."

The series will begin filming in Argentina, continuing its journey to Uruguay, Mexico, Spain and it will end production in Italy; making this the largest international production about the world's greatest soccer star.  

⏩ The series will be available in more than 200 territories on Amazon Prime Video, and later distributed on linear platforms through Disney Distribution. 

SOURCE:: BTF Media

Canada Signs On To Global Initiative To Protect Marine Wildlife

A humpback whale breaching. (Photo: World Animal Protection)

Marine animals in Canada will soon be getting more protection as Canada has signed on to the Global Ghost Gear Initiative or GGGI. 

This initiative was founded in 2015 by World Animal Protection, an organization working to end the suffering of animals worldwide. The GGGI is an alliance of governments, NGOs, academics and fishing industry leaders that aims to reduce the amount of ghost gear (lost or abandoned fishing gear) in the oceans.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, during the G7 meeting of Environment, Energy and Oceans Ministers in Halifax, Nova Scotia. World Animal Protection was invited to participate in the aligned Ocean Partnership Summit, on a panel covering sustainable fisheries and including reduction strategies for ghost gear. 

Ghost gear is found in every sea and ocean on the planet, along all three of Canada's coast lines and is a major contributor to ocean plastics. A whopping 640,000 tons of ghost gear is left in our oceans each year. It traps, injures, mutilates and kills hundreds of thousands of whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, turtles and birds annually.

Signing on to the GGGI is an important next step in Canada's commitment to reduce ocean plastics. It means they will be addressing one of the deadliest forms of plastic debris for marine animals like whales and turtles.

World Animal Protection's Executive Director Josey Kitson says: "Canada's agreement to sign on to this initiative is a game changer. Our country has the longest total coastline in the world and Canada is sending a clear message that it is a leader in tackling ghost gear, protecting vulnerable species, improving the health of marine ecosystems, as well as safeguarding fishing industry livelihoods."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard adds, "lost and abandoned fishing gear kills and injures marine life and has a significant damaging environmental impact. Not only does it negatively affect marine life and fish stocks globally, it also has a significant economic impact that is felt most acutely by the coastal communities and industries that depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. Our Government knows the time to act is now. We are proud to be a signatory to the Global Ghost Gear Initiative and we are committed to improving the health of marine ecosystems, safeguarding human health and livelihoods and protecting marine life from harm."

Among the outcomes of the previous G7 Leaders' Summit, held from June 8-9 in Charlevoix, Quebec, was the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities and The Plastics Charter. With ghost gear accounting for an estimated 70% of ocean macro-plastic by weight, this commitment will go further in promoting sustainable oceans and fisheries, supporting coastal communities and tackling marine litter.

"Canada's commitment today also means that Canada will work alongside other key players in the GGGI to create solutions to reduce lost fishing gear and its harmful impacts on a global scale. It is a positive step knowing that our message has been heard and we look forward to working with Canada further on this," says Kitson.

⏩ Canadians from coast to coast can learn more about the impacts of ghost gear and how the members of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative are tackling it, at worldanimalprotection.ca.

SOURCE: World Animal Protection

Facetune2 Taps Into NYFW Game With Artistic Sponsorship

Photographer: Travis Gumbs. Artist: Fletcher Nightwine using Facetune2

On Wednesday, September 12, Raul Lopez presented the LUAR Spring/Summer 2019 Runway Show at the Old National Bank in New York City and Facetune 2 sponsored the show with a series of interactive activations as well as an artistic collaboration with artist Fletcher Nightwine. 

Featuring over thirty white looks, the SS19 Collection, El Infinitum Purgatorio, is about purgatory and rebirth, as well as blurring the lines as to what is real versus what is fake. 

Photographer: Travis Gumbs. Artist: Fletcher Nightwine using Facetune2

For the lookbook, the designer partnered with Facetune2 and commissioned artist Fletcher Nightwine to create a set of imagery that breaks preconceived standards of beauty: exaggerated shoulders, shrunken accessories, elongated hems - creating a heightened sense of reality.

The imagery plays with the understanding of Facetune2 being a widely used app and advances the conversation around "perfect" body standards, reflecting back to that fact that audiences are inevitably trained to know these are not real.

"At Lightricks, our apps are a part of the creative process of aspiring artists everywhere, including fashion designers. NYFW is the most prestigious event in the fashion world, and it was amazing to collaborate with the top professionals in this industry, Christian Cowan, LaQuan Smith and LUAR. Building Facetune back in 2013, we definitely did not imagine we'd be attending the hottest fashion shows in NY. This is really only the beginning for us at Lightricks and we're excited to see what other fun & exciting places else our success will lead us," says Zeev Farbman, Lightricks co-founder & CEO.

Front row guests were treated to Factune2 giftboxes with lifetime VIP status, unlocking premium features of the app. The VIP status was provided via an illuminated acrylic QR code that had guests buzzing.

Photographer: Travis Gumbs. Artist: Fletcher Nightwine using Facetune2

About Facetune2:

"Facetune2 is the next generation of Facetune, released four years later in November 2016. It promotes confidence and breaks the illusion of "perfect" body ideals. With millions of users worldwide it levels the playing field: because everyone knows everyone is using it, society is less and less likely to believe that "perfect" body standards are real or attainable. For most, social media is a highlight reel of your life, putting yourself out there the way you want to be seen. Facetune2 gives you the power to do that on your own."

Photographer: Travis Gumbs. Artist: Fletcher Nightwine using Facetune2

SOURCE: Lightricks

Bonus Pictures:

(Via DropBox)

National Geographic Chief Scientist: 'Extinction Crisis Unavoidable Unless We Protect Half of Earth by 2050'

Seen from above the ocean surface, the tiny island of Roca Partida appears as two small peaks jutting out from the water. Underwater, however, this remote island of the Revillagigedo Archipelago hosts a rich marine habitat. Here, whitetip reef sharks, Pacific creolefish, barberfish, and Moorish idols populate the reef.

With the planet facing an exploding population and unprecedented levels of biodiversity loss, National Geographic Society Executive Vice President and Chief Scientist Dr. Jonathan Baillie and Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Dr. Ya-Ping Zhang urged the world's governments to dramatically scale up global conservation targets. They detailed their opinions in an editorial published in the latest issue of Science.

"Current levels of protection do not even come close to the required levels," wrote Baillie and Zhang, who encouraged governments to set minimum targets to protect 30 percent of the Earth's oceans and lands by 2030, and 50 percent by 2050, with a particular focus on areas of high biodiversity. "This will be extremely challenging, but it is possible, and anything less will likely result in a major extinction crisis and jeopardize the health and well-being of future generations."

The targets are significantly higher than the Aichi Biodiversity Targets set at the 2010 Nagoya Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, where governments agreed to protect 10 percent of oceans and 17 percent of land by 2020.

"The trends are going in the right direction, and we applaud the countries that have made significant strides," said Baillie. "But we must accelerate the pace of protection in order to achieve a planet in balance — one that provides for humanity and the multitude of species with which we share the Earth."

Distinguished scientists support the call to increase global biodiversity targets. They include Dr. E.O. Wilson, one of the world's preeminent evolutionary biologists and the leading advocate of the Half-Earth Project — an initiative devoted to setting aside half of the Earth for conservation; and Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, an internationally renowned conservation biologist, widely known as the "godfather of biodiversity," and a National Geographic Fellow.

Wilson said, "It is true that if we turn our backs on the current species extinction crisis, the consequences for the planet will be dire. It is also true that it is within our powers, as humans and nations, to direct our own salvation. If we follow the Half-Earth call to action and protect 50 percent of our lands and seas, we'll safeguard at least 85 percent of species and reverse this crisis. We must work together to learn more about Earth's species and move quickly to protect them before they disappear forever. I encourage the world's governments to commit to conserving at least half the Earth. To strive against the odds on behalf of all life would be humanity at its most noble."

Spix's macaw, native to Brazil, is critically endangered. (Image via National Geographic)

The Aichi Targets are a 10-year framework to save biodiversity and enhance its benefits for all people. The strategy includes halting species extinction, halving habitat loss and reducing pollution and overfishing by 2020. Baillie and Zhang want governments to set the higher targets at the Convention on Biological Diversity in Beijing, China, in 2020.

"This is the level of ambition we need because this is the last chance to secure a functional living planet for people and other forms of life," Lovejoy said.

SOURCE: National Geographic Society