Dear Center Supporter,

More than 326 million Americans rang in the New Year this month — 2.3 million more than last year. Much of the growth continues to take place in western and southern states, where communities and wildlife are feeling increasing pressure from drought, severe weather events and unsustainable development. Meanwhile global population has surpassed 7.5 billion.

For many of us, 2017 was a long year. But it was also a year when we saw an incredible uprising against agendas that threatened human and civil rights and the future of the planet. With the second Women's March planned for this weekend, the resistance continues to gain strength.

To kick off 2018, I'm excited to introduce our new senior population campaigner, Catherine Thomasson, who brings her expertise as a physician and climate and health advocate to the fight. And with Valentine's Day right around the corner, check out our Pillow Talk events across the country (or recommend an event near you).

For the wild,

Crowded Planet / There may be as few as 120 Florida panthers left in the wild. In a state that adds 850 people a day, the biggest threat to the future of the species comes on four wheels.

Wild Energy / Tariffs Could Dim Solar Development

Any day now Trump is expected to impose tariffs on solar panels imported from China. While this might be billed as part of his "America First" agenda, it would hold back U.S. solar markets, threaten domestic clean-energy jobs and slow the transition to a just and renewable energy economy. Only two foreign-owned companies claim imports make them less competitive; the rest of the solar industry opposes the tariffs. That's because the domestic solar industry currently employs more than twice as many Americans as the coal industry, and those blue-collar jobs rely on the availability of low-cost imported solar cells and panels. Read more about the dimming effect of solar tariffs in this week's USA TODAY editorial.

Earth-friendly Diet / The Reality Behind USDA's Forecast

Earlier this month the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicted Americans will eat more meat in 2018 than ever before. Americans already eat more meat than almost anyone else in the world. Increasing our burger intake would be disastrous for wildlife, the climate and our health. But are we really destined to eat more meat? Not necessarily. The foretold rise in consumption is actually an expected rise in meat production, aided by policies that keep the cost of animal agriculture artificially low. Yet market data show that demand for meat alternatives is increasing. By continuing to choose Earth-friendly diets, we can influence the outlook toward a more sustainable food system. Read more in "Force-fed Nation" on Medium.

Five Wild Picks / Winter Tips to Stay Warm, Save Wildlife

Whether you've been in the frigid path of a bomb cyclone or are experiencing typical mid-winter chills, it's not too late to weatherize your home to keep out the cold and cut your energy use.

1) Turn down the heat; turn up your sweater style. By bundling up indoors and setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day, you can reduce your heating needs by 10 percent a year.

2) Do some winter cleaning. Faster than "spring cleaning," cleaning out your furnace filter can help to improve airflow and efficiency of your heater in the winter.

3) Use daylight to your advantage. Just as closing your curtains during the day in the summer can help keep excess heat from the sun out, opening your south-facing curtains when the sun is up in the winter can help naturally warm your home and provide some much-needed Vitamin D.

4) Take advantage of the next heat wave to prepare for a cold snap. Next time the temperature rises above 20 degrees, apply weatherstripping to your doors and windows to help prevent drafts.

5) Seal air leaks without stepping outside. For a cheap, easy, indoor winter DIY project, apply plastic sealing over your windows to cut down on drafts and energy waste.