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.”
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.”
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.”
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!”
The tiger is the proverbial King of the Jungle. Admired for its vivid stripes, that for many symbolizes the balanced forces of ‘yin’ and ‘yang’. However, our infatuation with tropical forest products and jungle trophies has meant the tiger is now listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
"Tigers all over the world are under threat from poaching, loss of habitat and conflict with nearby human populations. Now, the Sumatran tiger is on the brink of extinction.".
(Source: Dr. Susan Lieberman, Director, WWF International Species ProgrammeWWF.com)
The world’s oceans have been seen as convenient garbage dumps; places that appeared to be able to take a limitless amount of garbage. But no longer is our trash out of sight and out of mind.
“around 100 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year of which about 10 percent ends up in the sea. About 20 percent of this is from ships and platforms, the rest from land.”
Seeing a dolphin in the wild can leave us with sense of calm and serenity. Dolphins have a way of connecting with us that means they hold a very special place in our culture. But we really don’t treat this special friend very well at all.
"every year, fishing nets kill up to 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises globally and entanglement is the greatest threat to the survival of many species.”
Global concern about pollution and climate change is constantly in the news today and the words ‘carbon footprint’ has never been so important to our daily lives. This is because most of the things we do every day need natural resources and so we end up having an impact on the environment.
“the first step in reducing your greenhouse gas emissions is to identify how much your household emits.”
The orangutan has evolved in perfect harmony with the forest and it is the only world this magnificent creature knows. As humans fight for the resources contained within the forest, these animals are fighting for their home and their very lives. Orangutans are so under threat that they are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
“Presently, orangutans are threatened because their forest home is being destroyed by logging, forest conversion to oil palm plantations and other crops, forest fires, the international pet trade and bushmeat. ”
with tropical forest products and jungle trophies has meant the tiger is now listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
us that means they hold a very special place in our culture. But we really don’t treat this special friend very well at all.
are fighting for their home and their very lives. Orangutans are so under threat that they are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
