RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—The International Union for Conservation of Nature updated its Red List of Threatened Species this week, an annual assessment depicting how many of the Earth’s animal species are struggling for survival. Results show the last 20 years have taken a devastating toll on many creatures, especially mammals, amphibians and birds.

THE DETAILS: Thousands of scientists, including IUCN researchers, compiled data and assessed the status of nearly 45,000 animal species. The stats show that nearly 40% of them are threatened by extinction—or already extinct in the wild. Almost a quarter of the world’s identified mammals are listed as globally threatened or extinct. The organization’s bird index showed continued deterioration of bird populations over the last 20 years. Since 1988, 225 bird species have become threatened, while only about 30 species improved their status. Nearly half of known amphibian species are vulnerable to climate change, one of the major drivers of extinction in the 21st century.

WHAT IT MEANS: We are in the midst of an extinction crisis, according to IUCN, which is the leading organization taking inventory of species around the globe. Their numbers show that mammals have been particularly hard hit by climate change, overhunting, and habitat loss. Why should you care? Even if you don’t mind living on a planet without Tasmanian Devils or Iberian Lynxes, keep in mind that acting to save these species means reversing dangers that threaten us, too, like global climate change and pollution. The task may seem monumental, but the report shows that conversation does work: The black-footed ferret, the wild horse, and the African elephant all have improved their status (though all are still in danger). Want to help? Your everyday decisions can play a big part in turning things around.

• Resize your carbon footprint. Global climate change, driven by the output of our fossil-fuel-burning lifestyles, is a significant contributor to extinction. Take public transportation, carpool, and bike or walk whenever possible. Drive the most fuel-efficient car you can afford. Press your lawmakers to invest in a clean energy infrastructure.

• Eat organic. Buy organic food: healthy, organic soil keeps carbon out of the atmosphere, and eliminates the greenhouse gases used to produce, deliver and apply chemical pesticides. If your organic food comes from local growers, you also avoid the carbon emissions produced by shipping food across the continent (or planet).

• Make habitat-friendly purchases. Buy coffee certified with the Smithsonian migratory Bird Friendly (both shade-grown and organic) or Rainforest Alliance seals. They help coffee farmers keep rainforests intact by cultivating coffee in natural-shade growing conditions. Furnish your home with antiques or goods made from Forest Stewardship-Certified wood. Steer clear of mahogany pieces—that wood isn’t harvested in a sustainable way.

• Plan an inspiring vacation. Consider a trip to a natural area as a way to inspire you and your family to make changes. “Some people need to see the beauty—and destruction—up close to force change in their lives, and urge others to do so,” says Michael Hoffmann, a biologist and IUCN biodiversity assessment program officer. He suggests traveling to a national park or reserve. If you’d like to go somewhere tropical, Hoffmann suggests Panama, Dominica, and Costa Rica as great spots to see incredible biodiversity relatively close to the U.S. Travel responsibly—offset the emissions produced by your travel with investment in clean energy.

• Pitch in. Set aside one day a week or month and volunteer with a local conservation group, or support them financially.