https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z en-us 2018-04-07 15:23:35 UTC 2018-04-07 16:32:37 UTC hello@padlet.com 18dunstonj https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249438125 Recently, it has been discovered that some species that were previously thought to be extinct may be making a population rebound. Specifically, harlequin frogs in Panama have seen a population decrease from abundant in the early 2000's to nearly extinct, but now appear to be back on the rise. The population decrease was resulting from a skin fungus that affects the frogs in cooler areas, known as Bd. The Bd makes the frogs ill and eventually kills them. Now, natural selection seems to be favoring frogs with a genetic mutation allowing for more effective skin secretions in warding off Bd. These frogs are replenishing the population. It is also important to note that global warming may be aiding the frogs survival as Bd is only successful in cool climates. As a society, we should be on the lookout for rebounding "extinct" species and take care of them to the best of our ability.]]> 2018-04-07 15:32:25 UTC https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249438125 18dunstonj https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249438955 Arctic foxes are endangered species in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The population has split into small, isolated groups. Due to the small population size, inbreeding is abundant and there is a lack of genetic diversity. This is limiting population growth and is threatening their survival. In 2010, slightly different, blue, arctic foxes migrated into the isolated population. As a result, genetic diversity has been improved greatly. The previously isolated group's survival chances doubled, according to Petter Hallberg. The population also doubled and inbreeding was reduced by 43%. The foxes came from a genetic rescue location in Norway in order to prevent the extinction of the arctic foxes. In the past, genetic rescue varied in success rate, but it seems to be a viable option going forward for the preservation of endangered species and improving genetic diversity.]]> 2018-04-07 15:40:35 UTC https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249438955 18dunstonj https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249440055 Moving away from reliance on fossil fuels and shifts towards renewable energy on a global scale is a long, expensive process. This year, solar energy spiked in investment and use compared to other renewables. China alone added 53 gigawatts of solar energy, which is more than half of the global total. Falling costs for renewable energies like solar is making it more accessible and viable for production on a large scale. Worldwide, more solar energy was added and invested in than any fossil fuels. In the past 11 years, renewable energy has increased from 5.2% to 12.1% of world electricity. As a society, we need to keep improving the renewable energy generation technology to make it more efficient and viable. This will allow us to move away from reliance on harmful fossil fuels and better our environment in the process.]]> 2018-04-07 15:50:43 UTC https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249440055 18dunstonj https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249441208 It has become quite clear that plastic pollution in the ocean causes tons of marine life to die. Whether it be through entanglement or ingestion, thousands of organisms die as a result of human trash in the ocean. The same holds true for freshwater lakes as well. In Lake Geneva, plastics have been tested and some contain mercury, cadmium, bromine, and lead. These harmful chemicals may kill wildlife on their own, even if you disregard potential ingestion and entanglement. Lakes are often overlooked with regards to plastic pollution with oceans taking the spotlight. As a society, we need to recognize the extent to which our pollution and trash is affecting the health of organisms around us. Biodegradable alternatives to plastics need to be used more widely in order to prevent these issues. Also, products should be made without harmful chemicals such as lead and mercury.]]> 2018-04-07 16:02:34 UTC https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249441208 18dunstonj https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249442581 Climate change has ravaging effects on our global environment. Specifically, it has contributed to the 90% reduction in size of Lake Chad since the 1960's. Along with climate change, unplanned irrigation and rapid population growth in the area. Lake Chad used to be abundant with fisherman and the water was used for farmers, but now only a select few use the lake in order to make a living as a result of its now depleted water supply. In order to restore the lake, officials have been proposing a redirection of water from the Congo River system. In theory, this would refill Lake Chad while leaving the Congo River system unaffected. Many believe that this project will never come to fruition due to poor governance in the area. The depletion of water in Lake Chad reminds us of the impact we have on the things around us. If we limit water use and combat climate change, we won't have to deal with this recurring problem that we face all over the globe.]]> 2018-04-07 16:15:26 UTC https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249442581 18dunstonj https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249443360 Deforestation is a necessary evil in the eyes of people worldwide. The resulting wood is used for a variety of purposes. Whether it be for building, fuel, or paper, it is no question that we need trees and the material they offer. At the current rate of deforestation, however, we could see all of the world's forests gone in as little as 100 years. Deforestation comes with a slew of negative ramifications as well. Not only does habitat destruction and species loss occur, but global warming is compounded heavily. Without being used in photosynthesis, great amounts of CO2 are released in the atmosphere instead of being used by trees. Additionally, trees worldwide store about 300 billion tons of carbon that is released into the atmosphere as a result of deforestation. The negative effects of deforestation tell us that as a society, we need to slow our rate of deforestation in order to mitigate the detrimental effects. If we efficiently and sustainably use our resources, we can have a successful society without damaging our environment and our world.]]> 2018-04-07 16:24:16 UTC https://padlet.com/18dunstonj/rg4j6v7qx25z/wish/249443360