Earth Day

 Seems like we are heading toward the 1950s and the disregard of Environmental Awareness.  And all in the name of Gr$$d.

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.  Unlike the time during the birth of Earth Day in 1970, we now have the Internet where you can get instant information. 

Earth Day: The Official Site | EARTHDAY.ORG

But unlike the website above, much of the earth day information is false or highly edited to suit a purpose.

See also this video : 

Finding Harmony: A King's Vision is a 2026 documentary on Prime Video exploring King Charles III's lifelong dedication to environmental sustainability and his philosophy that humanity is a part of nature, not separate from it. 

This spring, like last year, we are planting Pollinator Wild Flowers in the yard.

Earth Day

We need to celebrate Earth Day, every day.  It is like those who donate food to a local food panty on Christmas.  I mean, don't people eat every day?

Pick up trash in your neighborhood for starters.

And properly dispose or recycle it.

So, let's make this day the first of our global challenge to protect our planet.  Do your part and encourage others. 

Rachel Carson's Birthday

 While there are many people to thank for the global awareness and sensitivity about our environment, Rachel Carson remains at the top.

Today is her birthday, and take a moment to thank her for challenging the status quo and put our environment first.

If you haven't read her Silent Spring, pick up a copy at your local library or Amazon.

Earth Day 2021

 No, this isn't Mars.  But the way we are going it could be Los Angeles.

Live Earth Day, every day.

ALPINE Webinar: Faculty Collaboration in Land Conservation Initiatives

 Listened to this presentation last week sponsored by Academics for Land Protection in New England (ALPINE).  It is good to the see the efforts of academics partnering with NGOs supporting research efforts in the region.

ALPINE posted the video on YouTube if interested.

Ecoanxiety

Learned a new word today.

Ecoanxiety (someone who is ecoanxious, obviously).

According to the article in The New York Times (26 July 2020), the American Psychological Association  defines it as a chronic fear of environmental doom.

I will be dead before the shit hits the fan, (sorry about the language), but others with children or younger people can be expected to feel the full impact of our citizens putting money and profit over the long term health of our planet.

The University students I mentor will be the ones who have to push the environment to the top of the agenda.  They will do this by voting, protesting and communicating a message of hope to others.  I am inspired by many of these young people.

Me?  I will try to do my best as a global citizen to help others.

Otherwise, we are fucked. (again sorry, but this serious).

More spring break ideas

So, if you are visiting a location with a nearby coral reef, better see 'em before they are gone.

Coral bleaching is a major impact around the world.  The UN Environment Programme reports:

Coral reefs are well known as some of the most beautiful, biologically diverse and delicate ecosystems in the world.

They are also vital to maintaining food supply and protecting the shoreline of low-lying island nations.

Nevertheless, UNEP estimates that about 25 to 50% per cent of the world's coral reefs have been destroyed and another 60 per cent are under threat.

Here are some shots to encourage people to protect these habitats.  All from islands in the Caribbean:

Clear water means you can see really deep.  Want more?  Even more?

Might coral reefs be an example of "last chance tourism?"

Air Pollution and National Park Visitation

I read a short news clip in the morning paper today about visitor attendance declining in out national parks due to air pollution.  I tried a scholar google search to find the research but could not find it.

I did find this book titled Air Pollution and Its Impacts on U.S. National Parks and this paper.

I will check into a bit more since I will be teaching Recreation Geography this fall and I do a section on environmental impacts.

Edward Abbey (January 29, 1927 – March 14, 1989)

This guy should be required reading for every college student. 

The first book I read was Desert Solitaire.  It is a collection of essays prepared during his period as a park ranger in the mid 1950's.  As a steward of these public lands he observed the unique perspective of humans and their environment, so geography-like.

His fiction included The Monkey Wrench Gang.  Something that I can admire and dislike at the same time.  I mean, I guess I am glad there are these ecoterrorists out there, But don't want anyone to get hurt physically or financially for that matter.

But in the meantime, enjoy this short video (10 minutes) about one of his speeches.

Henry David Thoreau's Birthday

Celebrate and honor Thoreau today.  To learn more, click this link and this one.  (July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862)

Walden Pond.

Edward Abbey (1927-1989)

Required reading in grad school, today is Ed Abbey's birthday.  I really enjoyed reading since he was a conservationist and humorist.  Essential reading even today.  Check out his site for more info and his biography here.

"One word is worth a thousand pictures. If it's the right word."

Rachel Carson and Vincent Price

What do these two have in common?  Well, both have a birthday today May 27!

When one thinks of Rachel Carson, we think of her contribution to the environmental movement.  She was not the first, think John Muir and others, and she is not the last, think May Boeve, executive director of 350.org, but she did bring awareness to human's exploitation of our environment.

But where does Vincent Price fit into this.  Perhaps not for the environment, but instead entertainment on the fringe.  Think House on Haunted Hill, or The Tingler.

What a pair to celebrate a birthday!

Top environment news for Costa Rica in 2014

Tico Times is the English language newspaper in Costa Rica and provides us with news of interest for the region and the world.  Tico Times reports today the 5 top issues in Costa Rica.

Feliz Navidad!

Rachel Carson's Birthday

Notice how Google showcases some interesting fact on the homepage?  Well today is Rachel Carson's 107th Birthday.

See the link.

Ban Plastic Bags!

I carry a few cloth bags in our vehicles so I will always have them available when I go grocery shopping. But I also take the bags into other stores. If I am getting just one item, I just say, save the oil and refuse the plastic bag.

I now have picked up some larger sturdy bags since the cloth bags given out at conferences tend to be small and only carry a modest amount of groceries.

Ban the Plastic Bag!