Climate change, pollution, and habitat loss threaten biodiversity. The difference between 1,5 and 2C may sound insignificant. Still, for instance, it is highly significant for coral. A half-degree makes the difference between 70 percent loss and losing virtually all coral reefs at 2 C. Or look at insects, where 6 percent will be affected at 1,5C, but 18 percent at 2C. But, as in every story I write about the rapid changes in nature, there is a warning for us. Take heatwaves as an example. At 1.5C, 9 percent of the world's population will be exposed to extreme heatwaves at least once every 20 years. At 2C, that percentage rises to 28 percent.
A poignant truth. Somehow reminds me of words from an old song:
‘You always hurt the one you love
The one you shouldn't hurt at all’.
We are hurting to extinction what we shouldn’t hurt at all. What does that say about humanity. The incongruity of those ships seeking nature’s wonder only to destroy it in the process. Same with those who want to ‘own’ creatures that should never be owned.
Humans have lost the ability to reason mindfully and it’s so sad.
Lovely photos from the island and Luna exploring. Yes, I found it!
"And as I wrote in previous newsletters: it is doable; we have the knowledge and techniques. The main thing that is missing is political will."
This is probably the most distressing thing about it all. We have the tools, we have the knowledge, we have the ability to make a change. If we could convince people to change their ways, to make minor adjustments, we could change everything for the better.
Haven’t read The Collector (might have to now). It's difficult to understand that some people don't make the connection between their behavior and the loss of biodiversity. The way certain people treat nature is infuriating. The rule in my family has always been. Leave it as you found it. I also grew up without a car and I still notice today that I don't really need one. Speaking for Switzerland and where I currently live. Your last two sentences are so very true. Of course we should all keep trying to do our part, but as long as the political will for change is not there it will continue to be a losing battle. Side note: and then there's Switzerland where the political will might be there to a certain extent, but "the people" have the last word.
Thank you for the reminder that it CAN be done and also for reminding us what is at stake. Biodiversity is also a huge topic here seems to be getting increasing attention.
Luna's expression in that picture - something has caught her attention. She looks like a great hunter. You really captured that well.
I hope you are able to enjoy a bit of the island nature while you're there; and I selfishly hope you might share a picture or two.
Bravo! Fine read Alexander! The random surprise of doing a Houdini and surfacing for a breath on your Island is fun to read about. Good thing, you aren't noted as an undiscovered species of Australia . . .
Love the Sunset, Atlantic puffin, Froggy camouflage, Snow leopard and Luna on her throne 👑 and Koala
As I love puffins, snow leopards and koalas, I appreciate your photos. Most of all, I love blue-footed boobie birds…if you ever see (I’ve only seen a red-footed boobie in Maui, swept there by a storm). It has been very distressing to hear how numerous species of wildlife are vanishing. Wish people would wake up and realize the climate crisis is affecting much more than our weather. You didn’t mention why you had to return unexpectedly to the island so I’m sending you well wishes that all is good now.
A poignant truth. Somehow reminds me of words from an old song:
‘You always hurt the one you love
The one you shouldn't hurt at all’.
We are hurting to extinction what we shouldn’t hurt at all. What does that say about humanity. The incongruity of those ships seeking nature’s wonder only to destroy it in the process. Same with those who want to ‘own’ creatures that should never be owned.
Humans have lost the ability to reason mindfully and it’s so sad.
Lovely photos from the island and Luna exploring. Yes, I found it!
Thank you for writing tonight.
Or Nazareth's lines:
Love hurts, love scars
Love wounds and marks
Perfect! Sadly perfect.
"And as I wrote in previous newsletters: it is doable; we have the knowledge and techniques. The main thing that is missing is political will."
This is probably the most distressing thing about it all. We have the tools, we have the knowledge, we have the ability to make a change. If we could convince people to change their ways, to make minor adjustments, we could change everything for the better.
Yes, above all it is the frustration that we can act but we don't. Humanity, or at least their leaders, have chosen to destroy all that we love
I was just about to comment and quote those two last sentences ... How infuriating that this is 100% true!
Haven’t read The Collector (might have to now). It's difficult to understand that some people don't make the connection between their behavior and the loss of biodiversity. The way certain people treat nature is infuriating. The rule in my family has always been. Leave it as you found it. I also grew up without a car and I still notice today that I don't really need one. Speaking for Switzerland and where I currently live. Your last two sentences are so very true. Of course we should all keep trying to do our part, but as long as the political will for change is not there it will continue to be a losing battle. Side note: and then there's Switzerland where the political will might be there to a certain extent, but "the people" have the last word.
Thank you for the reminder that it CAN be done and also for reminding us what is at stake. Biodiversity is also a huge topic here seems to be getting increasing attention.
Luna's expression in that picture - something has caught her attention. She looks like a great hunter. You really captured that well.
I hope you are able to enjoy a bit of the island nature while you're there; and I selfishly hope you might share a picture or two.
I haven't really been out yet, rain, work, and other commitments kept me mostly inside, but yes, I will share pictures of my stay.
Bravo! Fine read Alexander! The random surprise of doing a Houdini and surfacing for a breath on your Island is fun to read about. Good thing, you aren't noted as an undiscovered species of Australia . . .
Love the Sunset, Atlantic puffin, Froggy camouflage, Snow leopard and Luna on her throne 👑 and Koala
G night. (-:
Thanks, Marian :-)
As I love puffins, snow leopards and koalas, I appreciate your photos. Most of all, I love blue-footed boobie birds…if you ever see (I’ve only seen a red-footed boobie in Maui, swept there by a storm). It has been very distressing to hear how numerous species of wildlife are vanishing. Wish people would wake up and realize the climate crisis is affecting much more than our weather. You didn’t mention why you had to return unexpectedly to the island so I’m sending you well wishes that all is good now.