Wildlife Crossing: Giving Animals the Right-of-Way

There are millions of miles of roads in the world. They let humans move around, but can cause big problems for animals. Roads push them out of their natural habitats and allow invasive species to spread. We can pave the way to safer roads for humans and animals with tools like wildlife tunnels, overpasses and smart roads. With strategic hands-on help, highways and habitats can better co-exist. More than 13 million miles of roads crisscross landscapes in 222 countries. Roads offer many human benefits, but they also create problems for nature. Their construction leads to a loss of biodiversity through habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation. Roads isolate wildlife populations, impede migration and allow invasive plant and animal species to spread, while giving rise to pollution from garbage, light, noise and airborne contaminants. With innovative tools, like wildlife overpasses to reconnect landscapes, smart roads and vehicles to maximize safety, and a little hands on help, we can create environmental harmony. And sitting in the passenger seat, young people can play a part in helping highways and habitats coexist.

Scheduled for release: Oct. 15, 2024