California was on the world stage recently helping to save the earth's biodiversity at the international biodiversity summit in Montreal, Canada. The countries agreed to protect 30% of the earth's biodiversity by the year 2030. Leading the United States is the state of California, which has put forward an ambition plan called, Pathways to 30x30.

California Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-82-20 establishes a goal of conserving 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. The Governor tasked the California Natural Resources Agency (CRNA) to coordinate the implementation of 30x30 with other State agencies and stakeholders through a series of actions including the development of a framework document, called Pathways to 30x30. The final Pathways to 30x30 strategy document was released in April 2022 and identifies challenges, opportunities, and strategies to achieve 30x30. Pathways to 30x30: Accelerating Conservation of California's Nature will set us on the path to successful implementation through shared action.

Leading this effort is this episode's guest, the secretary of the Resources Agency, Wade Crowfoot.

Secretary Crowfoot oversees an agency of 21,000 employees who protect and manage California’s natural environment. This includes stewarding the state’s forests and natural lands, rivers and waterways, and coast and ocean, protecting fish and wildlife, and overseeing energy development. As a member of the Governor’s cabinet, he advises Governor Newsom on natural resources and environmental issues.

Secretary Crowfoot firmly believes that good natural resources management helps natural places thrive and allows communities and our economy to prosper. His key priorities include: Building California’s resilience to climate change-driven threats, including wildfire, drought, extreme heat, flooding and sea-level rise.

Expanding equitable access to parks, natural places and outdoor recreation for all Californians.
Preserving California’s world-renowned biodiversity of plants and animals.

This past week Secretary Crowfoot attend the international summit on biodiversity in Montreal, Canada where he communicated that California is on the world stage saving the earth's biodiversity.