Environmentalism and animal liberation have always been inextricable in my mind. When you destroy or disturb ecosystems, the result is almost certainly the death of animals. The greater the destruction, the more animals that die as a result. The New York Times recently published an article about how ski resorts have had a devastating effect on bird populations because they destroy high-elevation habitat.

The NRDC and BioGems Defenders are now embarking on a campaign to protect the endangered Grizzly Bear. Grizzly habitat in the lower 48 states is being targeted for oil and gas drilling. In combination with the Bush administration’s proposal to remove the Grizzly from the endangered species list, this could mean the end of the Grizzly Bear. The irony is that the administration is likely removing the Grizzly from the list so that corporate interests can exploit the Grizzly habitat for profit (at the expense of the Grizzly population).

It is important that animal rights activists get involved in environmentalist organizing efforts and extend our compassion beyond domesticated animals.