In Spotlight: Conversations on Conservation: Part IV
The frozen tundra rests quietly beneath the open skies, the desert stretches for miles only to end where the ocean begins, and the vast grassland seamlessly transitions into a rainforest. This mosaic of biomes makes up some of the most picturesque landscapes on our planet. While survival might seem challenging on these often harsh, frigid and wet terrains, species have evolved to adapt and thrive. Whether it’s the wilderness or our backyard the remarkable resilience within ecosystems allows us to be surrounded by, and benefit from, a spectacular array of flora and fauna.
If your busy schedule has kept you from taking notice of these natural wonders then you are in luck! In this edition, our young aspiring conservationists take us on an extraordinary journey across oceans and continents. Please join them as they guide us through a deep-sea expedition, highlight species which are at risk of extinction, and remind us how nature really fuels the global economy!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our young conservationists for sharing their thoughts and talents with us and for raising awareness on the importance of protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity! Bravo!
If you have a comment or a question for a contributing photographer, artist, poet or writer please send those to me using the comment box in the 'Contact Page' and I will forward it to them.
If your busy schedule has kept you from taking notice of these natural wonders then you are in luck! In this edition, our young aspiring conservationists take us on an extraordinary journey across oceans and continents. Please join them as they guide us through a deep-sea expedition, highlight species which are at risk of extinction, and remind us how nature really fuels the global economy!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our young conservationists for sharing their thoughts and talents with us and for raising awareness on the importance of protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity! Bravo!
If you have a comment or a question for a contributing photographer, artist, poet or writer please send those to me using the comment box in the 'Contact Page' and I will forward it to them.
ART
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"Florida Hermit Crab"
Artist: Grayson M Age: 10 Atlanta, Georgia USA |
"The Octopus"
Artist: Roweina Z Age: 10 Houston, Texas USA |
POETRY
Villain
By: Rania Z
Age: 14
Houston, Texas
By: Rania Z
Age: 14
Houston, Texas
It stalks the waters, simmering beneath the surface.
It is relentless in its search, miles traversed for its prey.
Nothing escapes it's radar, nothing undetected in the waters,
for nothing escapes their beady eyes. Read more
It is relentless in its search, miles traversed for its prey.
Nothing escapes it's radar, nothing undetected in the waters,
for nothing escapes their beady eyes. Read more
Editors note: Please read the author's note and the resources she has provided at the end of the poem.
For Her
By: Lara Z
Age: 16
Atlanta, GA
By: Lara Z
Age: 16
Atlanta, GA
Since the dawn of life it has been for her
For the sweet scent of peppermint lingering heavily in the wind
For the calm thrust of the indigo waves, glistening on the last rays of an afternoon sun
For the rocky soil of highest peak where the angels watch us play from the heavens Read more
For the sweet scent of peppermint lingering heavily in the wind
For the calm thrust of the indigo waves, glistening on the last rays of an afternoon sun
For the rocky soil of highest peak where the angels watch us play from the heavens Read more
SHORT ESSAYS:
Our Backyard Warriors
By: Nandana A
Age: 13
Atlanta, GA USA
By: Nandana A
Age: 13
Atlanta, GA USA
Nature is something that is an inherent part of all our lives. By 2050, more than 2/3 of humanity is predicted to live in urban areas, which would significantly change our interactions with nature. 87% of all plant species are pollinated by animals, and these crops account for about 35% of global food production. Nature provides services worth more than $125 trillion each year, and these assistances form the bedrock of our economy. Even the smallest animal or plant does so much for us. Read more...
Over Fishing
By: Sanjana B
Age: 14
Hyderabad, India
By: Sanjana B
Age: 14
Hyderabad, India
What is overfishing? Overfishing is simply the taking of wildlife from the sea at rates too high for fished species to replace themselves. Overfishing is harmful to the environment.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the number of overfished stocks globally has tripled in half a century and today fully one-third of the world's assessed fisheries are currently pushed beyond their biological limits (qtd in World Wildlife Fund). Due to the increase in fishing vessels and the fact that they have an increased capacity, the pressure from fishing grows, hence, the likelihood of damage to the ocean ecosystem increases. So, what are the impacts? Read more...
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the number of overfished stocks globally has tripled in half a century and today fully one-third of the world's assessed fisheries are currently pushed beyond their biological limits (qtd in World Wildlife Fund). Due to the increase in fishing vessels and the fact that they have an increased capacity, the pressure from fishing grows, hence, the likelihood of damage to the ocean ecosystem increases. So, what are the impacts? Read more...
Phytoplanktons
By: Tanya S
Age: 14
Hyderabad, India
By: Tanya S
Age: 14
Hyderabad, India
It has been well established that our planet is in a precarious position; global warming has become an immediate threat to organisms everywhere. One of the more specific aspects of global warming is the reduction of availability of oxygen gas and the increase in greenhouse gases. The excess in these gases such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) , methane and carbon dioxide (CO2), retains most of the short wave radiation reflected by the earth. Read more...
Photo
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"Sea Turtle"
Sea Island Photo Credit: Sara K Age: 15 Atlanta, Georgia USA " It was really surreal seeing this turtle so up close, especially because sea turtles have become endangered." ~ Sara K |
Editors notes:
Number of Sea Turtle Species : 7 Status: 6 of the 7 sea turtles species at risk of extinction. Who To Support: World Wildlife Fund |
"Herrenhauser Embreea"
Photo Credit: Katherine A
Age: 16
Atlanta, GA
"This orchid is a type of lady slipper orchid, commonly known as the Herrenhauser Embreea. It originates in Ecuador, where it has become more and more uncommon. Because of its rarity, multiple specimens of this species are kept in the conservation area of the Atlanta Botanical Garden."
~ Katherine A
Editor's notes:
Who To Support:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
"Radiated Tortoise"
Status: Critically Endangered
Habitat: Endemic to Madagascar
Photo Credit: Lindsey S
Age:. 16
Atlanta, Georgia
"These amazing reptiles need to be conserved because of their unique and beautiful carapace, which has an intricate yellow pattern resembling a star."
~ Lindsey S
Editors notes:
Resources:
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute: Radiated Tortoise Learn more
- Guardian (Article): In Pursuit Of The Tortoise Smugglers