According to a new study, more than 20,000 terrestrial species around the world face intense pressure from human population growth and the infrastructure that comes along with it. Of those, 85% have seen at least half their habitats significantly modified by human activity. We're reminded of how catastrophic that pressure can become by the fires burning in Australia and an estimated 1 billion wild animals lost to the flames.

But with the new year comes renewed energy to create a better future. The same day that analysis of human population pressure was released, the UN announced a plan calling for the protection of at least 30% of the planet and the Center for Biological Diversity launched its bold new Saving Life on Earth plan to fight the extinction crisis.

It's not just the lives of wild animals that are at stake: The extinction crisis is a spiritual and cultural crisis that affects every person on the planet. But it's not too late. This year, we'll focus even more on ways you can help turn the tide on population growth, overconsumption and wildlife extinction.

For the wild,

Crowded Planet / First Comes Love, Then ...

Many marrying couples start to feel pressure to have kids long before they’ve even cut a wedding cake. By giving away Endangered Species Condoms at their receptions, some couples are sharing their concerns about human population pressure. They can start the conversation about their desire to thoughtfully plan if, and when, to have children on their own terms.

Here's one thing you can do: Find out more about adding Endangered Species Condoms to your celebration along with other tips to reduce your wedding's footprint by checking out our Wildlife-friendly Wedding Guide.

A Plan to Save Life on Earth

Population growth, habitat destruction, the spread of invasive species, overharvest from the wild, climate change and other human activities have pushed nature to the brink. This is a problem of our own making, and addressing it requires urgent and courageous action.

Earlier this week the Center released a plan calling on the United States to once again become a leader in environmental protection by declaring the extinction crisis to be a national emergency; investing $100 billion to protect wildlife and wild places; restoring the full power of the Endangered Species Act; cracking down on pollution; and creating 500 new national parks, wildlife refuges and marine sanctuaries.

These critical actions — supported by our work to address population growth, end overconsumption and transform food systems — can stem the extinction crisis and secure a safe future for all wildlife.

Here's one thing you can do: Find out how you can be part of our new Saving Life on Earth campaign.

Make a New Year's Resolution for You and the Planet

Whether you're still thinking about personal goals for the year or have already broken the diet and exercise promises you made to yourself Jan. 1, here's a New Year's resolution to support your health and the planet: Commit to having safe sex.

Population campaigner Kelley Dennings urges people to take charge of their reproductive health as an important action for themselves as well as the fight against the extinction and climate crises. She offers a 7-step plan to help make sure this is a resolution you can stick with. From researching healthcare providers in your area to sharing your resolution with others, each small step will help set you up for success.

Here's one thing you can do: Share Kelley's Medium post and invite your friends and family to join you in committing to safe sex to save wildlife.

Hollywood Goes Green With Plant-based Menus

The Golden Globes kicked off Hollywood's award season earlier this month by serving its first entirely plant-based menu. It didn't take long for the Critics' Choice Awards to announce that it also planned to take meat off the menu, followed by the Screen Actors Guild Awards, with both organizations citing a commitment to sustainability.

An analysis released last month by the Center found that replacing meat-based dishes with plant-based meals at a 500-person event could avoid 5.6 tons of GHG emissions, save nearly 4 acres of habitat and conserve 66,000 gallons of water. With many of these award shows serving more than 1,000 guests, the environmental savings of switching to plant-based menus are significant. And, just as important, seeing Hollywood's elite enjoy delicious, Earth-friendly meals can change the way people think about food.

Here's one thing you can do: Take the Veganuary pledge to receive recipes, meal plans and tips for 31 days of Earth-friendly eating.

Skip the Valentines — Give Condoms Instead

We're losing species at an unprecedented rate, and the increasing number of people on the planet is partly to blame. But the extinction crisis doesn't have to ruin date night. Valentine's Day is approaching, and we're giving out Endangered Species Condoms to remind people to have safe sex to help save wildlife and prevent unplanned pregnancies.

This year we want to make sure the 10 most sexually satisfied cities in America have protection for Valentine's Day. So if you live in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Cincinnati, Columbus (Ohio), Chicago, San Antonio, Austin, Salt Lake City, Boise City or Denver, head here to request your condoms by Jan. 24.

Don't want to hand out condoms yourself, but know of a Valentine's event that may want to give them out? Email us and let us know about any events near you that would be a good fit for our Pillow Talk outreach program.

Wildlife Spotlight / Chiricahua Leopard Frog

We're launching a new Pop X feature that highlights a different species each month threatened by human population growth and overconsumption.

When male Chiricahua leopard frogs want attention, they ... snore. Their distinctive call can last up to two seconds, which is long enough for most humans to elbow their mate awake and ask them to roll on their side. But for these leopard frogs, their seductive snores work — as long as they have waterways like marshes, springs or wetlands where they can reproduce.

Unfortunately these watery love nests are increasingly hard to come by. Once found in more than 400 aquatic sites in the Southwest, the frog is now found at fewer than 80. One of the major threats to Southwest riparian areas is livestock grazing.

Earlier this week the Center sued the Trump administration for failing to prevent livestock from damaging southwestern rivers and streams. In addition to holding operators accountable, reducing meat consumption — particularly beef — can reduce demand for livestock production and help get cattle out of sensitive habitats that are home to endangered or threatened wildlife.