# data[].attributes.body
A few months ago I visited Southern California shores and saw the sea lions and seals resting on the rocks, it was such a beautiful sight. However, I soon saw something absolutely sickening: people climbing over the barrier and smothering them. Their photo op was more important than the stress and discomfort of the wild animal. The worst part: the sea lions were barking and warning them to back up.

Photo: La Jolla, California.

# data[].attributes.body
In the photo, the sea lions are almost impossible to spot because of the amount of people. Imagine if you were resting by the pool or on the beach with your friends, and a swarm of people came up, cornered, and gawked at you. You’d feel uncomfortable, right?

# data[].attributes.body
We are killing our world, and this behavior is a large part of that. Everything is leaving an impact, from something as obvious as pollution to the hidden secrets of the fishing industry. The footage of our disgraceful actions is horrifying.

# data[].attributes.body
In Asia, more specifically China, There is something called shark fin soup. This delicacy has little to no flavor or nutritional value but it is seen as a status symbol. So, sharks are being murdered for their fins in order for people to keep their image up.

# data[].attributes.body
Shark numbers have been dropping rapidly in just the last few decades:

Thresher sharks: 80% population loss

Bull sharks: 86% population loss

Smooth hammerhead sharks: 86% population loss

Scalloped hammerhead sharks: 99% population loss

The majority of these sharks are dying as bycatch, or the fish accidentally caught while targeting a specific type of fish. 40% of all marine life is thrown back into the ocean as bycatch, and most of them are dead before they even hit the water.

# data[].attributes.body
You may think, “well sharks kill humans so it’s okay,” but no, it’s not. Around the world, sharks only kill about 10 humans per year, while we kill 11,000-30,000 sharks per hour. The most horrifying fact is that is it estimated that if current fishing trends continue we will see nearly empty oceans by the year 2048. Only 27 years from now.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Sickening Effects of Noise Pollution

# data[].attributes.subject
The Sickening Effects of Noise Pollution

# data[].attributes.body
During the pandemic, cruises were among the many things that were shut down. Without the cruise ships looking at whales in Alaskan bays, it was up to 25% quieter underwater. The whales in these bays were able to communicate over long distances with less interruption. Mothers could leave their calves and feed in groups because they knew that if their calves needed them, they could hear their call.

# data[].attributes.body
“Noise pollution is considered to be any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms.”

# data[].attributes.body
When we paused for Covid-19, the natural environment changed in amazing ways:

Without spring break traffic on Florida beaches, turtles were able to raise their nesting rates from 40% to over 61%

Just 12 days after lockdown, the Himalayas were able to be seen in India for the first time in 30 years

No rhinos were killed for the first time since 1999

# data[].attributes.body
“The moment we paused, the earth was able to breathe again.” Even making the smallest changes in your life, like limiting your intake of fish or leaving wildlife you see alone, can greatly impact the natural world. So, what are you going to do today to save the planet?