Foundation for Amazon Sustainability’s Post

Just read a fascinating article on the biggest environmental problems of our lifetime. As someone passionate about the future of our planet, I couldn't help but ponder the complex issues raised in the piece. Here are some key points that sparked my curiosity: - The article delves into the urgent need for global action on climate change. It's a call to arms for individuals, governments, and businesses to step up and make impactful changes. - The discussion on the detrimental effects of deforestation and habitat loss is eye-opening. It raises important questions about our stewardship of the natural world. - The article's exploration of pollution, particularly plastic waste in oceans, highlights the dire consequences of human activities on marine ecosystems. - The section on species extinction due to human activities is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of our planet's biodiversity. I would love to hear your thoughts and feelings on these critical environmental issues. What actions do you think we should prioritize to address these challenges and secure a sustainable future for the next generations? https://lnkd.in/gtfb2a6

🌊 Embark on a journey of environmental discovery with this captivating Forbes article titled "Current Climate: Big Risks as Oceans Overheat." 🌡️ The article delves deep into the concerning trend of ocean overheating and its far-reaching consequences. As our planet grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, understanding the pivotal role of oceans in regulating global temperatures is paramount. The oceans, acting as Earth's thermal regulator, are absorbing excess heat at an alarming rate. This phenomenon not only threatens marine life but also jeopardizes the delicate balance of our entire ecosystem. From coral bleaching events to disruptions in marine food webs, the repercussions of ocean overheating are vast and multifaceted. By immersing ourselves in the insights provided by this article, we gain a clearer understanding of the urgent need for action. It's a call to arms for individuals, communities, and governments worldwide to prioritize environmental stewardship and adopt sustainable practices. Together, we can chart a course towards a healthier, more resilient future for our oceans and our planet. Explore the full article to deepen your knowledge of this critical issue: https://lnkd.in/dVftFW-r Let's stand as stewards of the oceans and champions for global sustainability. #ClimateChange #OceanHealth #EnvironmentalAwareness #Sustainability #ForbesArticle 🌍🔍

With everyone from Bill Gates, to Jeanne at my church scoffing at the Republican "plan" to plant a trillion trees, it is tempting to completely dismiss this conservative attempt at climate action. Certainly there are serious issues with it. First, I use "plan" in quotes as I am not sure there is a fundable plan in discussion. Second, the plan is proposed as an alternative to decreasing fossil fuel emissions, while it is clear we need to both decrease emissions and increase nature's capacities. Third, this is old school mono culture tree-planting for timber- not restoration of forest ecosystems. Which leads to the final problem- monoculture tree plantations are wildfires waiting to happen, as we have seen most recently in Canada. Now that we have that out of our system- let's not let simplified headlines against "tree-planting" win the day. Planting trees is a good thing. Our planet, including the climate, does not work without functioning forests. Street trees to fight heat islands, trees as part of restoring wetlands, and combatting desertification. Biodiverse forest plantings such as the Miyawaki method used by Biodiversity for a Livable Climate have extremely high survival rates and do more than sequester carbon. Lets take a moment to imagine a world where both US political parties are united around trees. Let's appreciate that those who ridiculed "tree-huggers" are now contemplating a pro-tree agenda. How can we harness this pro-tree energy and pull it along into actual meaningful eco-restoration?

Environmental and Climate-Related Risks: A Growing Concern Environmental and climate-related risks have emerged as critical concerns in the contemporary global landscape, posing multifaceted challenges to ecosystems, economies, and human societies. The accelerating pace of climate change, driven primarily by anthropogenic activities, has led to a surge in extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions in ecosystems. These changes not only threaten biodiversity but also amplify the vulnerability of communities, especially those in low-lying coastal regions and developing nations. Moreover, the intertwined nature of environmental and climate risks exacerbates existing social and economic disparities. The impacts are far-reaching, affecting agriculture, water resources, and public health. The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, not only result in immediate devastation but also pose long-term challenges for recovery and resilience building. The urgency to address these issues has gained prominence on the global stage, prompting calls for comprehensive strategies, international cooperation, and sustainable development practices to mitigate and adapt to the evolving risks posed by climate change and environmental degradation. As societies grapple with the complexities of these challenges, fostering a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and adopting innovative solutions remains imperative for a sustainable and resilient future. http://surl.li/rjyvv

Efforts in forest restoration must go hand in hand with aggressive emissions reduction and decarbonization strategies. Together, these create a balanced and effective approach to climate change mitigation -- and now is the time to take decisive action for our climate. A call to action from Dr. Tom Crowther and Yishan Wong: https://refore.st/3HA1ZGu

Great edition of The Nature Conservancy's Global Insights newsletter reflecting on the frightening milestones but also bold actions of 2023. But this particular story hit a little too close to my heart: "You don’t have to try hard to imagine a dystopian climate future. Catastrophic flooding, sweltering heat domes, scorching droughts, food scarcity … this story is already writing itself.   But—brace yourselves—what about a future without wine? Or coffee? It turns out our favorite indulgences aren’t safe from climate disaster either.   To start, hotter temperatures will make wine taste worse. By supercharging their ripening process, heat gives grapes a sickly sweet, raisin-like flavor. And your morning brew isn’t safe either. Coffee beans grow best in areas with stable temperatures, and climate change disrupts that stability—so much so that recent studies suggest there could be a 50% drop in areas suited for growing it by 2050. [INSERT GASP]   But this isn’t really about gustatory indulgences. The wine and coffee industries generate hundreds of billions (USD) in economic activity annually, and local farmers are the first to suffer when these crops fail. It’s yet another example of the immense cost of the climate crisis to already-vulnerable communities around the world.   If choking wildfires and rising seas aren’t enough to inspire climate action, it’s hard to imagine what would be. But perhaps for some the prospect of a future without their favorite beverages will be the final straw." Read and subscribe below: https://lnkd.in/eZX96-rs

Day 2 of 7 Ocean - Climate Content Challenge 😄 Yesterday, I shared the crucial link between our oceans and climate, highlighting how they interact and impact each other. Today, let's delve into a more specific issue within this relationship—ocean acidification. This phenomenon is a silent yet devastating crisis driven by human activities, and its effects ripple through marine ecosystems and beyond. When we think of climate change, we often picture rising temperatures and melting ice caps. But beneath the surface of our oceans, a silent crisis is unfolding—ocean acidification. This phenomenon, driven by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, is drastically altering marine ecosystems. Ocean acidification occurs when the oceans absorb excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. This CO₂ dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean. [Co2 + H2O = H2CO3; I guess you remember this in your basic chemistry]. The result is a more acidic environment that disrupts the delicate balance of marine life. The consequences of ocean acidification are profound. Marine organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton species, are particularly vulnerable. As the water becomes more acidic, these organisms struggle to maintain their structures, leading to weakened coral reefs and declining shellfish populations. This disruption extends throughout the marine food web, affecting fish and other species that rely on these organisms for food. There are solutions to combat this silent crisis. Reducing CO₂ emissions globally is the most effective way to address ocean acidification. Additionally, protecting and restoring blue carbon ecosystems—such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes—can help sequester CO₂ and improve ocean health. Local actions, like controlling nutrient pollution from agriculture and waste, can also mitigate some acidification effects. Out of my passion for ocean-climate issues, I conducted a small research study on ocean acidification and wrote a term paper on it, which I posted on LinkedIn a few weeks ago. Understanding and addressing issues like acidification is crucial for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of our oceans. It’s time to amplify our efforts and advocate for stronger climate action to protect our oceans. PS: Join me tomorrow for Day 3 of our content challenge, where we will explore the threat of rising sea levels to coastal communities. PSS: Have you noticed changes in marine life in your area due to ocean acidification? Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below and let’s discuss how we can make a difference! UNESCO Ocean Millennium Campus Network (MCN) Image Credit: Swimming Drilling at Ugbonla Water, Ondo Sate

Some have recently questioned whether forests really are the climate solution they have long been held to be. This is because some emit great quantities of carbon, while the markets set up to finance them have stumbled. But there is no pathway to a livable climate without saving our intact forests, regrowing some, and finding a more straightforward way to pay for them than carbon offset projects.

The lifeblood of lives, climate and oxygen is at risk from our daily actions. Global commitments to ocean conservation are encouraging, but their impact depends on swift implementation. Existing agreements offer partial hope, but their success relies on concrete actions. The umpteenth red alert from UN emphasizes the urgency of combating climate change and preserving biodiversity as to fulfill the Paris Agreement, we must pivot toward investing in ocean science and a sustainable ocean economy. However, there are no concrete solutions; everything is so interconnected that it seems almost impossible to calculate the long-term impact of today's actions on the entire ecosystem, including parts of biodiversity that remain undiscovered. The critical importance of scientific approaches, science-based targets, and monitoring KPIs is pivotal in navigating the complexities of our interconnected ecosystem and ensuring effective, evidence-driven action.