Phillip Elden

Phillip Elden Explains Damaging Effects of Human Overpopulation

Human overpopulation is an epidemic no one talks about, says conservation expert Phillip Elden. But our excessive and often careless consumption of resources makes it harder to ignore. Elden discusses the issue in the following excerpt from a recent interview.

Q: How do humans threaten other species? 

Phillip Elden: Humans are the single greatest threat to other life forms since the dinosaurs were wiped out 65 million years ago. Some scientists believe that if we don’t slow down human expansion, half of all animal and plant species on Earth will become extinct in the next three to five decades.

Q: Is overall life expectancy negatively affected by overpopulation? 

Phillip Elden: Absolutely. Harvard University projects that 2.3 billion new people will be born in less developed regions over the next four decades. These people face a lower quality of life and shorter lifespans due to limited access to clean water and healthy food supplies. Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Uganda are considered the countries most at-risk of overpopulation-related life expectancy decreases.

Q: Do we have enough natural resources to go around?

Phillip Elden: The simple answer is no. A boom in human population does nothing to increase our finite resources such as forests, coral reefs, fossil fuels, and available fresh water. Too many humans place an unnecessary stress on basic life-sustaining resources. Every person alive today requires approximately 33% more land to meet his or her sustainability needs than is available.

Nutria a Nautical Nuisance, Says Phillip Elden

Damaged roadways and decimated crops are just a few ways nutria make their presence known, says conservation expert Phillip Elden. However, damage control isn’t as easy as “trap and release,” as these large rodent-like mammals reproduce quickly and enjoy the mobility of the water. Here, Elden explains nutria and offers advice on DIY animal control.

Q: Where do nutria make their homes?

Phillip Elden: Nutria are a water-loving animal that construct burrows around bodies of freshwater including ponds, creeks, and rivers. Commonly called river rats, they prefer deep water and steep banks.

Q: What kind of damage do nutria cause?

Phillip Elden: Because they like to burrow near the water, erosion is a major problem with nutria dens. It is not uncommon for burrows to weaken roadways and dams, which can cause them to collapse after heavy rains. Tunnels that are not filled may become further eroded, which compounds the damage. Nutria eat crops and have been known to chew on barns, fences, and other wooden structures.

Q & A with Phillip Elden | Living with Raccoons

Like thieves in the night, raccoons steal food from trash cans and can leave behind a trail of destruction. Here, Oregon native and wildlife advocate Phillip Elden offers some advice on how to live with these unruly creatures. 

Q: Are raccoons a protected animal?

Phillip Elden: Yes, they are. Raccoons are protected in the state from entrapment and relocation without a permit issued by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. With authorization, a raccoon may be trapped but must either be released in the same area or, in special circumstances, euthanized.

Q: How have raccoons adapted so well to living with humans?

Phillip Elden: Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they come out mostly at night. Humans tend to spend their nights under cover. Since human’s and raccoon’s paths rarely cross, raccoons have continued to survive despite a booming human population.

Phillip Elden on Oregon’s Official Animals

Oregon is a state full of amazing wildlife and interesting animals. There are so many beautiful species, in fact, that the state couldn’t settle on just one to represent the diversity of its fauna. Here, environmental activist Phillip Elden offers a rundown of Oregon’s official state animals.

American Beaver – State Mammal

Oregon’s early economic structure was laid on a foundation of beaver pelts, says Phillip Elden. The fur of these small mammals was a highly desirable commodity among traders in the 1800s. Over-hunting and habitat encroachment, however, nearly wiped out the American Beaver. In 1969, this water-loving critter was named the official state animal. Conservation efforts have helped the American Beaver thrive once again.

Nature Talks with Phillip Elden

Humankind has encroached upon the land that once belonged to the majestic creatures we often look upon as nuisances. To ensure the survival of all (including us!), we must learn to live with some of nature’s most powerful creatures. Here, Phillip Elden answers common questions about cohabitating with wild animals.

Q: How can I tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear?

Phillip Elden: Though neither species is overly aggressive, grizzly bears may be more dangerous if startled. And, despite the misnomer, black bears can range from blonde to brown and every shade in between. Grizzlies are noted for their distinct shoulder hump and shorter, rounded ears. From the side, a grizzly’s profile is broader and more concave than their black bear cousins.

Q: How do I protect my house from coyotes?

Phillip Elden: Coyotes are drawn to food and shelter. By removing these attractants, it’s possible to reduce the instances of coyote visits. If you have pets, make sure they are never left outdoors alone at night and never leave pet food outside.

Phillip Elden Discusses Rain Forest Protection

Trees are essential for nearly all forms of life on Earth. They provide food, shelter, and building materials for animals and people across the globe. But some forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. This not only hurts the population, but may eventually permanently damage our planet. In this brief Q&A, Phillip Elden opens up about what needs to be done in order to protect the Amazon and other major rainforests.

Q: How does burning forests affect the environment?

Phillip Elden: Tropical trees emit high levels of carbon when they are burned. Gases like CO2, N2O, and methane collect in the ozone and trap heat from the sun. This extra heat dramatically affects the way plants and animals develop.

Q: Why are the largest trees the ones that need preservation?

Phillip Elden: Studies have shown the largest 1% of trees trap up to 50% of the carbon emitted from lower level fires and natural release. The larger trees form a canopy over the forest floor which keeps carbon from entering the atmosphere.  

Q&A With Phillip Elden: Coffee and Global Sustainability

Coffee is not simply the pot of liquid gold consumed each morning by millions of people around the world, it is a crop that sustains entire economies in places like Ethiopia and Brazil. Here, environmentalist Phillip Elden touches on the global efforts of making this beloved berry a fully sustainable crop.

Q: What is significant about the growth of coffee beans?

Phillip Elden: Coffee is a $22 billion per year crop that many people rely on to feed their families. Unfortunately, some farmers are bending under the pressure of ever-increasing demands (coupled with difficult growing conditions brought on by climate change) and abandoning their coffee crops altogether. If this pattern continues, coffee farms may become a thing of the past, and that would likely damage the economy on a global scale.

Q: Is it possible to make coffee a sustainable crop?

Phillip Elden: Not easily, but with a commitment from the farmers who remain dedicated to its continued growth, coffee could very well continue to thrive as a crop and mature to resist unpredictable temperature fluctuations.

Phillip Elden Shares Secrets of the Mountains

Mountains are not just a beautiful site, says Phillip Elden, they are essential to human life. As the climate changes, so do mountains. This could lead to unpredictable shifts in the very foundation of these natural structures. Here, Elden answers questions about the importance of the highlands.

Q: How do mountains relate to the Earth’s water supply?

Phillip Elden: Mountains are natural water towers that feed rivers and streams. This water is used in the production of food for greater than half of all life on the planet. Because they have been largely untouched by human over-development, mountains are also a hotspot of biodiversity. However, rising temperatures could put this life in danger as glaciers begin to melt at a rapid pace.

Q: What are cloud forests?

Phillip Elden: Cloud forests are dense forests at high elevations that help trap the fog and rainfall that feeds streams. These streams generate hydroelectricity, which is vital to many major cities, including Rio de Janeiro and Bogota.

Q&A with Phillip Elden: Preservation of Oregon’s Environment

The main focus of Phillip Elden rests primarily on local environmental issues in his home state of Oregon. Through his extensive preservation efforts, Elden works to keep native species and plants alive for generations to come. Below, Elden talks about the issue he cares deeply about; keeping the state of Oregon a beautiful and welcoming place.

Q: In your opinion, what are the biggest environmental issues in the state of Oregon?

Phillip Elden: The habitat of Oregon’s wildlife began to change dramatically when authorities start cutting down trees. The contamination of Oregon wetlands has also become a major source of concern in recent years, as this area provides a home for unique species of butterflies and birds.

Planned Nature Preserve to Help Oregon Flora and Fauna, Says Phillip Elden

Nancy and Dick Noble recently agreed to sell 470 acres to The Nature Conservancy to help revitalize native plant and animal species in Willamette Valley. Environmentalist Phillip Elden explains why a relatively small tract of land is vital to this dwindling habitat.

Q: How is the Noble Oaks Preserve significant to Willamette Valley wildlife preservation efforts?

Phillip Elden: While it’s not a particularly large land acquisition for The Nature Conservancy, this 470 acre plot of land was more of a strategic purchase. It is located between Yamhill Oaks Preserve and Basket Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Noble Oaks Preserve, as it will be aptly named, is slated to function as a habitat anchor allowing native wildlife access between the two conservation areas. In addition to establishing a new population of native animals, the land will also undergo restoration to weed out invasive plant species and ensure that open fields are sewn with the area’s natural vegetation.