“Mothering The Earth — U.S. Finds Its Voice”
In February's episode of Future Choices, “Mothering The Earth — The U.S. Finds Its Voice,” National Audubon Society's Kathleen Mogelgaard returns to Future Choices to emphasize that the U.S. has wisely directed significant foreign aid towards "integrated population, health, and environment programs in regions critically important to the conservation of biologically diverse ecosystems." [See further] 
She asserts that these efforts, though laudable, are just a beginning to enabling developing nations to address the complex connections between humans, their health, their environment and sustainable development.
She challenges the viewers -- environmentalists and advocates for reproductive rights alike -- to work together creatively and energetically in order to achieve mutually beneficial ends, effectively “Mothering the Earth.”
- Ms. Mogelgaard answers the questions posed on Audubon's website: "Why Population? Why Audubon? Why Now? asserting that "As one of the oldest and largest environmental organizations in the U.S., Audubon is a leading voice in the environmental community making the population and habitat connection."
- She emphasizes that in their work to protect the habitat of the White-winged Flufftail,
the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society (EWNHS) has undertaken a very effective program in which environmental activists have developed a multi pronged program to foster the ability of local communities to join them in efforts to stem environmental degradation which threatens not just the well-being a the rare bird but even more so the economic wellbeing of local farmers and their families. - She notes that Congresswoman Nita Lowey has been a valiant, effective advocate for women's health, sustainable development and the environment and urges her constituents to express their appreciation for these achievements.
- She elucidates the impact of population growth on global fisheries, a subject discussed in the New York Times in their 1/15/08 article, "Empty Seas -- Europe’s Appetite for Seafood Propels Illegal Trade."
- She speaks of the excellent work which USAID has already undertaken in support of programs which integrate population, health and the environment.
Kathleen Mogelgaard is Assistant Director of Government Relations at the National Audubon Society in Washington, DC, where she focuses on US government policies related to international conservation and sustainable development. She also coordinates the organization’s Population and Habitat Program.
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This page last updated March 23, 2008 11:46 .