Pandas have long been the cute and cuddly figurehead of conservation around the world. But these solitary animals are facing a scary future as their homes are being increasingly threatened. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that there are now less than 2,500 mature Giant Pandas left in the wild.
Currently, only around 61% of the population, or around 980 pandas, are under protection in reserves.”
It might surprise you to learn that coral reefs are home to more than one quarter of all the marine life in the oceans. This means they are really critical habitats for our marine creatures. Coral reefs also provide important resources for many communities; they help protect coastal areas from waves and erosion and are a major attraction for tourists.
“The heat affects the tiny algae which live symbiotically inside the corals and supply them with food. The heat stress damages the algae and in consequence leads to coral death.”
The fact that the energy sources we choose to power our lives has caused rain to become more acidic and lead to major impacts on the environment has got to be a big concern for all of us. But what does it actually mean?
“roughly 2/3 of all SO2 and 1/4 of all NOx come from electric power generation that relies on burning fossil fuels, like coal.”
Fuel cell technology has the potential to completely revolutionize the way we power our vehicles. The U.S. Department of Energy says “the potential benefits of this technology are substantial”. Fuel cell technology can help to reduce America’s dependence on imported oil as well as lower the emissions that are causing global warming.
Matthew Spencer, Greenpeace Climate Campaigner, believes that “Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers the potential for truly pollution-free transport.”
Tuna is a vital part of our diet, both in rich and poor countries alike, and as we increase our consumption of tuna we are having massive impacts on fish stocks.
“Longliners, harpooners, and purse seiners all targeted the giants, driven by the high prices paid in Japan - which consumes 40% of global bluefin landings and where a single bluefin has sold for over $US150,000!”
