Emily Mennie’s Post

The heat of the summer in 2022 created an urgency in environmental microbiologist Marina E. De León to explore marine diversity and ecosystems at larger depths before it’s too late. During the summer of 2022, Central California and the West coast of the United States had experienced its typical weather, which feels akin to the fiery depths of hell on one of those record-breaking 45°C, breezeless days in some areas like California’s capital city, Sacramento. The news covered extreme heat warnings and ocean water temperatures in Southern California rose well above a refreshing level. The negative implications of global climate change were particularly apparent that summer, and I began to worry that there were species of plants and animals that have already or will go extinct during my lifetime. I’ve spent months traversing remote terrestrial regions of Honduras. I am familiar with the hidden beauty of the cloud forests of Costa Rica as well as the desolate views of large swaths of razed trees on bare mountain sides of Panama. But I had never seen a marine reef ecosystem from depths more than 3-4 metres while snorkelling off the coasts of these tropical countries. Earth’s ecosystems are changing, rather, declining in biodiversity and overall health. The average global ocean temperature has increased by about 0.14°C per decade over the past 10 years. The heat of the summer in 2022 created an urgency in me to explore marine diversity and ecosystems at more profound depths, before it’s too late. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eVgfhHxP #coralreefs #climatechange #biodiversity #marinediversity #ecosystem #globalwarming #coralbleaching #coraldisease #coralreefecology

Therefore, sharks are important.

At the recent The Ocean Race Summit in Alicante, we announced two new Volvo For Life Fund initiatives aimed at restoring coastal health.     Together with The Nature Conservancy and the University of Gothenburg, we aim to help preserve and restore biodiversity along coastal landscapes in two different parts of the world.     In the Indian Sundarbans we will focus on mangrove restoration together with the Nature Conservancy. The Indian Sundarbans is one of the world’s largest mangrove forests, providing a critical habitat for vulnerable species, including the Bengal tiger, and benefitting local communities with livelihood options and freshwater supply, which often gets contaminated and sees increased salinity due to floods.     And in Hakefjorden on Sweden’s West Coast, close to our corporate headquarters, we will help to restore eelgrass. We hope that these new collaborations will have long-reaching positive impacts on the biodiversity, natural ecosystems and population in these areas.    As I’ve said before, at Volvo Cars we believe that sustainability is about more than reducing CO2. Coastal health is deeply important to us as a company rooted in Gothenburg, and we’re determined to make a lasting impact on biodiversity and local communities.   Let’s drive change together.

How I would like to be sailing the world looking for biodiversity! Instead, it is French sailor Paul Meilhat that with #Biotherm embarked on their adventure last week aboard the #VendéeGlobe2024, which is regarded as the #Everest of the Seas and is used to watch sailors travel the world.Biotherm ventures into the unknown and collects unparalleled data on aquatic biodiversity in the most remote regions of the ocean in collaboration with the Fondation Tara Océan. Their goal is to exchange priceless data that will enable researchers to examine the health and evolution of phytoplanktons, which are essential to the climate. Discover how our purpose drives our performance as you follow along in the most demanding and prestigious sailing event in the world. 🍒At least I can experience part of the excitement by participating in the Virtual Regatta!👉 + LIEN #Make the world a more beautiful pla

WHO DOESNT LOVE hashtag#ELEPHANTS? How are these majestic mammals a treasure to our world? Elephants are a treasure to our world in many ways. They are: Keystone species: Keystone species are those that play a vital role in their hashtag#ecosystem. Elephants are keystone species in many hashtag#African and hashtag#Asian ecosystems. They help to disperse seeds, create habitats for other animals, and maintain healthy forests. Culturally significant: Elephants are revered in many cultures around the world. They are seen as symbols of strength, wisdom, and power. In some hashtag#cultures, elephants are even considered sacred. Ecotourist magnets: Elephants are a major draw for ecotourists. People from all over the world come to see these amazing creatures in their hashtag#naturalhabitats. hashtag#Ecotourism can help to generate income for local communities and promote conservation efforts. ▸ Intelligent and emotional: Elephants are highly intelligent and emotional creatures. They have been shown to be capable of complex thought and feeling.

How I would like to be sailing the world looking for biodiversity! Instead, it is French sailor Paul Meilhat that with #Biotherm embarked on their adventure last week aboard the #VendéeGlobe2024, which is regarded as the #Everest of the Seas and is used to watch sailors travel the world.Biotherm ventures into the unknown and collects unparalleled data on aquatic biodiversity in the most remote regions of the ocean in collaboration with the Fondation Tara Océan. Their goal is to exchange priceless data that will enable researchers to examine the health and evolution of phytoplanktons, which are essential to the climate. Discover how our purpose drives our performance as you follow along in the most demanding and prestigious sailing event in the world. 🍒At least I can experience part of the excitement by participating in the Virtual Regatta!👉 + LIEN #Make the world a more beautiful place.

The Devastating Ripple Effect of Shark Extinction: The looming threat of shark extinction casts a shadow over our oceans, promising profound and far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems worldwide. Imbalanced Food Chains: As apex predators, sharks play a pivotal role in regulating marine food chains. Their absence could trigger a domino effect, leading to an overabundance of their prey species and a decline in others. This imbalance could disrupt the delicate equilibrium of marine ecosystems, causing cascading effects throughout the food web. Decline in Ocean Health: Sharks are not just majestic creatures; they are also indicators of ocean health. Their extinction could signify underlying environmental issues such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and pollution. With sharks gone, marine ecosystems may struggle to maintain their balance, leading to further deterioration of ocean health. Cultural and Ecotourism Losses: Sharks hold a special place in the hearts of many coastal communities and are often central to cultural heritage and traditions. Additionally, they are a significant draw for ecotourism activities such as shark watching and diving. The extinction of sharks would not only rob these communities of their cultural identity but also deal a heavy blow to ecotourism industries, impacting local economies and livelihoods. Ecological Shifts: Without sharks to fulfill their role as top predators, marine ecosystems could undergo significant ecological shifts. This could manifest in the proliferation of certain species and the decline of others, altering the very fabric of these complex ecosystems. Such changes could have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from fish populations to coral reef health. Loss of Biodiversity: Perhaps most alarming is the potential loss of biodiversity that would accompany shark extinction. Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of marine life, and their disappearance could set off a chain reaction of extinctions and population declines among other species. The loss of biodiversity not only diminishes the richness of marine ecosystems but also compromises their resilience in the face of environmental stressors.

How Artificial Reefs Are #Shaping a #Healthier #Ocean 🌊 As the health of our oceans continues to face significant threats, artificial reefs are emerging as a nature-positive solution with wide-reaching benefits. These innovative structures are becoming increasingly popular for their multi-functional uses, making them a key part of the strategy to restore and protect coastal habitats. Here’s why artificial reefs are gaining momentum: 🌱 #BiodiversityHotspots Artificial reefs mimic natural marine habitats, creating thriving ecosystems where marine life can flourish. These reefs provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for countless species, making them critical tools for enhancing biodiversity in degraded areas. 🏝 #BoostingCoastalCommunities Beyond environmental benefits, artificial reefs support coastal economies by fostering sustainable fisheries and creating opportunities for ecotourism. Scuba divers, snorkelers, and marine enthusiasts are drawn to these vibrant underwater landscapes, driving tourism revenue for local businesses. 🛡 #CoastalProtection Serving as natural wave barriers, artificial reefs help reduce erosion and protect shorelines from storm surges and rising sea levels. This added resilience is vital for communities facing the increasing impacts of climate change. Artificial reefs are more than structures; they represent a holistic approach to ocean restoration. By addressing ecological, social, and economic needs, they are shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for our oceans and the communities that depend on them. At The Marine Lab, we’re proud to design and install reefs that make a difference. Together, we can build a better future—one reef at a time.🌍 #OceanHealth #ArtificialReefs #Sustainability #TheMarineLab #CoastalProtection #Biodiversity

wow !wow !wow what a visit! Lake Nakuru is a stunning freshwater lake located in Kenya, known for its breathtaking views and vibrant pink flamingos that flock to its shores. The lake is famous for its rich birdlife, including over 400 different species, as well as its rhino sanctuary that houses both black and white rhinos. Boasting beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife, a visit to Lake Nakuru promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.As a corps Africa volunteer was able to note the following how the climate change has affected it. I noted that,Climate change has significantly impacted Lake Nakuru National Park, leading to noticeable changes in the park's ecosystem over recent years. The rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns have resulted in the depletion of the lake water levels, affecting the overall balance of the park's flora and fauna. The reduction in water levels has led to the loss of key habitats like aquatic plants and algae, impacting the food sources for the park's diverse bird species, especially its renowned flamingos. Additionally, the changing climate has caused shifts in vegetation patterns and disrupted the natural cycles of wildlife, posing challenges for the survival of various species within the park. Furthermore, extreme weather events such as droughts and flooding, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, have further destabilized the delicate ecosystem of Lake Nakuru National Park, making it increasingly vulnerable to environmental stressors. Efforts to mitigate these impacts, such as conservation measures and sustainable resource management strategies, are crucial to safeguarding the park's biodiversity and ecological balance in the face of ongoing climate challenges. At corps Africa.

🌶️ [Hot Take] #COP16, the UN Biodiversity Summit in Cali, Colombia, asserts the role of #AI and #MRV in enforcing low-impact ecotourism and monitoring tourist behavior in the absence of rangers. While I recognize the necessity of such surveillance, I question its efficacy in closing the conservation knowledge gap. Having just returned from swimming with the southern hemisphere humpback whales in French Polynesia, I'm grappling with the claim of ecotourism preserving animal wellbeing. Sharing the water with these majestic creatures was incredible: the feeling of becoming a part of biodiversity and embodying its brimming aliveness. However, local regulations require operators to stay 100 meters away from the animals and limit interactions to 15 minutes, which are difficult to do with playful calves and unpredictable currents. I saw several overwhelmed whale mothers taking their babies away from tourists swimming too close for comfort. An unintended consequence is acclimating the baby whales to human activities, resulting in death of a friendly young calf from a hit-and-run boat strike in early October. The southern hemisphere humpbacks travel 4,000 miles from Antarctica to French Polynesia to give birth. During their 4 months away, mother whales fast while nursing. Their manures feed phytoplankton that produces the majority of the oxygen we breathe, and whales themselves are magnificent carbon sinks. With environmental changes such as melting ice sheets, boat traffic, and marine debris, whales face far larger existential threats beyond well-meaning human interactions. Whale watching is a booming $3 billion industry attracting nearly 15 million visitors year round (think 150% Hawaii tourism). Yet I can't shake the feeling that the whales are left holding the bag. While I'm heartened that profits stay within the local communities, proactive conservation efforts seem lagging. Protective and upstream measures must be taken if we want to keep those gentle giants for our wellbeing for decades to come. 👉 Petition to reduce boat speed to protect the whales->https://lnkd.in/gaqngAV2 #Ecotourism #Conservation #ClimateScience #Circularity #Sustainability 🐳 a 1.5ton baby girl playing off the shore of Moorea captured on my gopro