A new report shows the price of ivory in China is plummeting as the government closes down factories.
As some of you may know, I am a huge animal lover, and definitely have a soft spot when it comes to these creatures. Regarding the worlds largest land animal, there has been lots of very sad news in recent years: the 1982 population of 1.2 million African elephants has now dwindled to between 400,000 and 500,000, and 20,000 African elephants continue to be killed for their tusks annually.
At these rates, the poaching of African elephants cannot continue. It is because of this that the news that came this morning was so amazing! China - the worlds largest ivory market - has agreed to close 67 of their ivory carving and retail shops, which amounts to approximately one third of the total.
This is an amazing step that the Chinese government is taking in the war on poaching, and proves how vital China is in decisions like this. While many people look at leadership as leading other people, we must remember that decisions like these are ones that shape the world. I hope that many other Asian countries continue to follow in the Chinese's footsteps, as they pledge to end all domestic ivory sales by the end of the year.
Leading the environment is just as important as leading businesses and governments! The fact that the Chinese government is using its power in order to work towards this cause with many environmental and conservation organizations shows the ability that arises when different fields work together.
