Advocacy

Fireflies
Have you looked around at night lately and noticed there doesn’t seem to be as many twinkling lights in the grasses and treelines like there used to be when we were kids? Well scientists believe this is due to the population of fireflies slowly dwindling to the point of several species potentially going extinct. In the past, we haven’t kept as good of a track on firefly populations as we do with other insects such as the bees so it’s hard to push for legislation in protection of the fireflies until we gather more concrete proof that they are dwindling in population size. To date, there are no protected firefly species and none have been listed as endangered.
By Cheyenne Harbison3 years ago in Earth
What if we produced less stuff?
Could you provide a number in response to the question, "How much items do you have?" Consider each article of clothes, kitchen appliances, and pieces of furniture. every appliance, cup, and pair of shoes. The rest follows. That isn't easy unless you're an extreme minimalist. Because the majority of us own a lot of things. More has provided us with great comfort and choice but at a hefty cost. such as increased pollution, resource depletion, and carbon emissions. The planet is becoming overburdened by our propensity to produce and consume more things. Everyone talks about preventing a climate catastrophe, but will maintaining the status quo while utilizing renewable energy sources and purchasing electric vehicles actually help? More and more people are refusing. They urge us to alter how we manage our economies fundamentally and, consequently, how we live. Some refer to it as degrowth. This entails producing less harmful material for the environment while increasing investment in beneficial components for human health. Can less actually be more, then? Let's investigate.
By Ian Sankan3 years ago in Earth
Supporting Veterans and Service Members
In the small town of Oakwood, nestled between rolling hills and lush forests, a profound sense of patriotism and gratitude thrived among its residents. This was a community that cherished its veterans and service members, recognizing the immeasurable contributions and sacrifices made by those who had bravely served their nation.
By Samuel James3 years ago in Earth
2 Hours a Day Only. Content Warning.
In an ambitious bid to tackle internet addiction among its youth, China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) has unveiled draft guidelines to regulate children's smartphone usage. The new regulations, which could significantly impact internet giants like Tencent and ByteDance, aim to strike a balance between digital access and mental well-being.
By Christianah OLANREWAJU3 years ago in Earth
Illegal Mining (Galamsey) and Land Pollution
Introduction Ghana, known for its rich natural resources and vibrant economy, is facing an alarming environmental crisis that poses a significant threat to its economic sustainability. Illegal mining, locally referred to as "galamsey," has surged in recent years, leaving a trail of devastation on the country's land and ecosystems. This unchecked practice is causing widespread land pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, jeopardizing Ghana's economic prosperity. In this article, we will explore the dire consequences of galamsey on Ghana's land resources and discuss potential solutions to address this pressing issue.
By EDWIN ADDOTEY GLOVER3 years ago in Earth
Humanitarian Abuses Arising from the Sudanese Conflict
The long-standing conflict in Sudan has been marked by extreme violence, civil unrest, and an array of human rights violations. These breaches of international law and ethics have come to define a tragedy that has persisted for decades.
By Mira Ratcliff3 years ago in Earth
Iraq’s Looming Environmental Catastrophe. Content Warning.
Iraq is a country with a long and rich history, often called the birthplace of civilization. But it is also a country that is suffering from a terrible environmental nightmare caused by climate change, water shortage, drought, and heat. This nightmare is affecting its people, culture, and heritage in horrible ways. ## The Water Crisis One of the biggest environmental problems in Iraq is the lack of water. Iraq relies on two main rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, for its water supply. But these rivers are drying up because of many reasons, such as dams built by Turkey and Iran, too much water used for farming and drinking, and less rain and snow because of climate change. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Iraq’s water per person has gone down by more than 60 percent since the 1970s. The report says that Iraq could run out of water by 2030 if nothing is done. This could be very bad for food security, public health, social stability, and regional cooperation. The water crisis also hurts Iraq’s wildlife and ecosystems, especially the Mesopotamian marshes in the south. The marshes are one of the largest wetlands in the Middle East and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are home to hundreds of kinds of birds, fish, plants, and animals, such as the endangered Basra reed warbler and the endemic Mesopotamian spiny eel. They are also home to thousands of Marsh Arabs who have lived there for thousands of years, practicing a unique culture and way of life based on fishing, farming, and reed crafts. But the marshes have been damaged by decades of war, drainage, pollution, and drought. According to UNEP, the marshes have lost about 90 percent of their original area since the 1970s. The loss of the marshes has not only harmed the animals and the people who live there but also made it easier for saltwater from the Persian Gulf to come in. This has increased soil salinity and reduced agricultural productivity in the region. ## The Temperature Rise Another environmental problem in Iraq is the rising temperature. Iraq is already one of the hottest countries in the world, with an average yearly temperature of about 22°C (72°F). But because of climate change, Iraq’s temperature is expected to go up by 2°C (3.6°F) by 2050 and by 4°C (7.2°F) by 2100. This means that Iraq could have more often and stronger heatwaves, dust storms, droughts, and fires. The temperature rise has serious effects on human health, farming, energy, and infrastructure. For example, heat stress can cause dehydration, heatstroke, heart problems, and breathing problems. It can also make people work less and use more energy for cooling. Moreover, higher temperatures can make crops grow less, have more bugs, and need more water. According to a study by the World Bank, Iraq is among the countries that are most at risk from climate change effects in terms of money losses. The study estimates that Iraq could lose up to 8.7 percent of its money by 2050 because of climate change-induced temperature rise. This could make Iraq’s economy worse and make more people poor and unequal. The temperature rise also affects Iraq’s cultural heritage, such as its ancient monuments and archaeological sites. For example, the ancient city of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is threatened by erosion, salinization, vandalism, and looting due to climate change and lack of protection. Similarly, the ancient city of Ur, the birthplace of Abraham according to some traditions, is endangered by rising groundwater levels due to reduced drainage. ## The Way Forward Iraq’s environmental nightmare needs bold and quick action from both inside and outside actors. Some of the possible solutions are: Improving water management. Iraq needs to improve how it manages its water, how it uses it well, and how it saves it. This includes making a national water plan, working together with other institutions, spending money on water systems and technology, teaching farmers and families how to save water, and working together with other countries on shared water issues. Adapting to climate change. Iraq needs to get ready for and deal with climate change effects. This includes making a national climate change plan, putting climate change into other policies and plans, doing things like early warning systems, heat stress prevention programs, crop diversification and disaster risk reduction. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Iraq needs to lower its greenhouse gas emissions and join global climate action. This includes making a low-carbon development plan, using more renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, using energy better and saving it more, lowering gas flaring and methane leakage from oil fields, and taking part in international climate talks. Iraq’s environmental nightmare is not only a danger but also a chance for positive change. By dealing with its environmental challenges in a whole and lasting way, Iraq can make its human development better, keep its natural heritage alive, and improve its regional and global role.
By Obed Jnr. 3 years ago in Earth
Old Secrets in the Shadows
Old Secrets in the Shadows: A Tree's Tale - Copyright ©2023 Vernon JB Pohl All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without prior permission in writing from the author, this includes photocopies, recordings, or other electronic or mechanical methods. Reviewers may quote brief passages in reviews.
By Vernon JB Pohl3 years ago in Earth
Title: The Guardian of Time
Once upon a time, in a quaint little village named Haven brook, there lived a curious young girl named Amelia. She was always fascinated by the wonders of the world, especially the natural beauty that surrounded her. Amelia would often wander through the lush forests, marvel at the shimmering lakes, and gaze at the vast expanse of the starlit night sky.
By Alhagie Manneh3 years ago in Earth
Climate Refugees
The wind howled through the narrow streets of Kolkata, a bustling city once known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage. Now, it was a city on the brink of becoming a memory, haunted by the relentless surge of the rising seas. For Rajesh and his family, it was a heart-wrenching reality they couldn't escape.
By A.C GIDEON3 years ago in Earth
Unveiling the Mysteries of Extraterrestrial Life: From Ancient Clues to Modern Explorations
DESCRIPTION OF THE STORY: Throughout human history, the idea of extraterrestrial life has been a subject of fascination, intrigue, and debate. From ancient civilizations to modern scientists and space researchers, the possibility of aliens has captured the human imagination.
By Edwin Kingsly3 years ago in Earth
The feelings of guilt and helplessness that individuals may experience
Amelia stood on the sandy shore, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the crimson sun was slowly dipping beneath the vast ocean. The waves gently caressed her feet, leaving behind soft traces in the wet sand. Despite the serene beauty of the moment, her heart was heavy with a burden she couldn't shake off - the weight of eco-guilt.
By Progress Victor3 years ago in Earth