Gen Z embraces birding as UK bird population declines
5 reported
According to a report from the British Trust for Ornithology, Britain has lost 73 million wild birds over the last 50 years due to habitat loss, pesticides, disease, cats, and the climate crisis. The article notes that a psychological phenomenon called ‘shifting baseline syndrome’ makes it difficult for younger generations to recognize the scale of the loss, as each generation inherits a degraded environment. However, Gen Z is reportedly bucking the trend by taking up birdwatching, aided by social media and the Merlin Bird ID app. The Guardian’s Madeleine Finlay discusses this trend with writer Robert Macfarlane and Jess Painter, a member of the RSPB’s youth council.
What’s reported
Britain has lost 73 million wild birds in the last 50 years, per the British Trust for Ornithology.
Causes include habitat loss, pesticides, disease, cats, and the climate crisis.
‘Shifting baseline syndrome’ means each generation inherits a degraded environment and does not notice the overall decline.
Gen Z is embracing birding, thanks to social media and the Merlin Bird ID app.
The article is a podcast featuring Madeleine Finlay, Robert Macfarlane, and Jess Painter.
Key figures
Madeleine Finlay (reporter/podcast host)
Robert Macfarlane (writer)
Jess Painter (member of the RSPB’s youth council)
British Trust for Ornithology (source of bird loss data)
Sources: The Guardian
