These are some the big conservation stories for WWF – the successes and the challenges – of the past year.
What were the big WWF stories of 2011?
Some black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) are under 24 hour armed guard due to risk of poaching Africa.
Rhino poaching crisis in Africa
2011 was one of the worst years in recent history for rhino poaching in Africa. Increased demand for rhino horn and other animal parts and increased sophistication in poaching methods means that this will continue to be a major conservation challenge in 2012.
Learn more about the poaching crisis
Learn more about the poaching crisis
Emmanuel De Merode, Director of Virunga National Park speaking at TEDxWWF.
TEDxWWF
WWF held the first TEDxWWF event in October 2011. The event brought together leading thinkers on conservation and sustainability to inspire us as we work to make the world a better place for all species.
You can see all of the TEDxWWF talks here
You can see all of the TEDxWWF talks here
By 2050 we save nearly four trillion euros per year through energy efficiency
100% Renewable by 2050
A new report from WWF demonstrates how the world can reach the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. We believe it is essential that we achieve this goal to ensure energy security for all and stem the worst impacts of climate change.
Learn more about a sustainable energy future
Learn more about a sustainable energy future
The weekly trip to the supermarket - just another thing on the to-do list. But our consumer choices directly affect communities, wildlife and the climate. It's all about palm oil - the versatile vegetable oil which makes crisps crispy and soap soapy. In fact, palm oil is in about half the items you’ll find in most supermarkets. Indonesia and Malaysia are big palm oil producers. They’re also home to endangered species. When forests are destroyed to create palm oil plantations, the people and wildlife that depend on those forests are hit hard. Trashing forests for palm oil also releases carbon into the atmosphere, speeding up global warming. However, some palm oil producers are showing they can be both sustainable and profitable. To be certified “sustainable,” palm oil growers must meet social and environmental standards. As consumers, we should insist our favourite brands and stores use sustainable palm oil in their products.
Palm Oil Scorecard
In the journey toward a sustainable future for palm oil, a substantial number of companies are making commendable progress to reduce their impact on forests, but some are lagging behind. The 2011 Palm Oil Scorecard is a useful tool for identifying the leaders and lagards.
Check out the palm oil scorecard
Check out the palm oil scorecard
The Amazon, Borneo-Mekong and Congo forest blocks account for one third of the planet’s forests. These vast expanses of forest play a crucial role in regulating global climate, unpinning local livelihood strategies and protecting the diversity of life on the planet.
Living Forests
During the 2011 International Year of Forests, WWF released the Living Forests Report, which was part of a year‑long conversation with partners, policymakers and business about how to protect, conserve, sustainably use and govern the world’s forests in the 21st century.
Learn more about the report
Learn more about the report
Two narwhal (Monodon monoceros) surfacing to breathe in Admiralty Inlet, Lancaster Sound, Nunavut, Canada.
Tracking narwhals
In late 2011, WWF successfully worked with Canadian agencies to begin tracking narwhals in the Arctic. The project will help us understand the species in order to better protect it and its habitat.
You can follow the travels of narwhals here
You can follow the travels of narwhals here
Aerial view of flooded forest during rainy season with floating plants, Rio Negro Forest Reserve, Amazonas, Brazil.
Brazilian forest code
The Brazilian president is still in the process of deciding whether to pass a law that will essentially reverse many years of environmental progress in Brazil. If this law is passed it will open the way for increased logging of the Amazon and other Brazilian forests.
You can still help us to take action. Send a message to the Brazilian president and ask her to prevent a global catastrophe
You can still help us to take action. Send a message to the Brazilian president and ask her to prevent a global catastrophe
Rare Russian snow leopard
New camera trap images
We have seen a number of exciting camera trap images in 2011, especially of Asian large cats, such as the tiger, snow leopard and Amur leopard. Although camera traps are but one tool in the conservationist's toolbox their results are very exciting as we get a rare glimpse of many elusive species in their natural habitats.
Check out our camera trap image gallery here
Check out our camera trap image gallery here
Earth Hour 2011 Bucuresti, Corul Sound
Earth Hour 2011
Earth Hour 2011 proved to be the most successful event yet and demonstrated once again that the people of the world want action now on climate change. We will again turn the lights off on March 28, 2012, to demonstrate the urgent need for climate action.
Sign up now for Earth Hour 2012!
Sign up now for Earth Hour 2012!
Cumbre en Durban
Global Climate Inaction
At the latest climate talks in Durban, South Africa, global leaders disappointed us again by failing to take real action on climate change. In 2012, we will continue to push for a real global deal on climate change, and a future with food, energy and water for all!
Learn more about our work on climate change.
Learn more about our work on climate change.
