The environment is such a wide and varied topic today as there is so much happening. News headlines cover violent climate and weather occurrences; global wildfires; air and ocean pollution and species extinction. Here are 3 diverse articles ranging from our dwindling Fraser River salmon runs to the incredible record-breaking wildfires in British Columbia in 2017 and now 2018.
#1 Wild Salmon Survival in the Fraser River (2013)
Concerns in 2013 were a fish virus, warm water for spawning, competing fish farms and pesticide pollution of the Fraser. The future does not look sparkling clear for our dwindling salmon and other marine species who depend on them. Visit a local hatchery near you to gain an understanding of the work these organizations do to save our salmon. The Chapman Salmon Hatchery and the life cycle of the salmon
“Like the robin, another American bird seems to be on the verge of extinction.
This is … the eagle”
~ “Silent Spring” – Rachel Carson
#2 Endangered Species in British Columbia (March 2017)
Decreasing wildlife habitat in B.C , urban development, recreation, logging, mining and climate change are threatening and endangering species. Invasive species introduced to B.C. can also be problematic for animals, fish and plants alike.For example, information on the local Invasive Species Watercraft Inspection in the summer of 2018 to hopefully control the Zebra mussels and Quagga mussels
#3 Top Twitter Tweets of 2017
2017 was a dynamic year for media headlines when it came to environmental disasters and climate change. It seemed every day there was another new catastrophic headline somewhere in the world.
Global Environment
2018 so far seems to be following along the same direction with horrific deadly fires in Europe & the USA. Now 2018 is recorded as worst year for wildfires in British Columbia’s history. Here is a look at Statistics for BC wildfires in 2018. The second worst year for wildfires was the summer of 2017. The USA was also battered with Hurricane Florence and tropical storms Lane and Alberto. Tragically many people died in the Japan mudslides. All these disasters, and others, involved overwhelming loss of life; disruption for hundreds of thousands of people; massive economic costs and personal loss.
In closing, it seems that a future with climate change and its many effects on our environment, human life and health – is now the “new norm”? There are many solutions you can adopt for your families, your workplace and for others. Be proactive and learn what you can do to help and be ready. The “times they are a changin’ …”
Links & References:
- “Let’s Prepare for our New Climate” a TED talk from Vicki Arroyo (2012) Video (15 minutes)
- CAP Earthquake Emergency or other disaster – Are you Prepared
- Books Recommended to add to your Reading List on subjects from our environment to air pollution (2015)
- Climate & Environment events in other countries ie. Drought in Australia
- Floods in India in 2018
- Degradation of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia & what you can do
- Lyrics: Bob Dylan times they are a changin’
