As we all know, there has been a significant increase in rainy weather. Last week, some of us experienced a severe thunderstorm, which included hail, and lightning and thunder for about 3 hours in total. Many people want to know why Many states and cities might be experiencing an excessive amount of “Indoor Weather”.
Scientists around the country have explained that spring is coming earlier by 2,5 days everyday. Evan Comen from “USA Today” has explained that pollution is the reason the spring is coming to us faster than it did the decade before. Weather has been getting hotter and hotter with more and more rainy weather. This is because of pollution where we all put greenhouse gasses into the air. While there is more and more rain coming down, the risk of a flood is getting higher and higher. Last week, a flood warning was put out during the storm until 11:30 pm. This has caught the attention of many people.
All of this flooding causes many problems around the area. One of the most important affects of this weather is unhealthy soil. The flooding can cover up the plants in which disabling the ability for the plants to collect nutrients. The flooding also causes erosion on the soil which results in less nutrients for the plants to receive due to the lack of soil. This makes soil and plants unhealthy. This decreases the amount of plants in the area, which makes it worse for plant eaters. Without their food, they will not be able to survive.
Flooding also causes water pollution. Whenever you are walking around a city and see trash on the ground, try to pick it up. Trash on the ground can cause many severe problems. Flooding can pick up that trash which makes it float around and could affect marine life. If this is a town near a lake or a large body of water, the flooding could bring the trash into the body of water which results in marine life eating the trash. The trash makes the marine life feel full. Then they start starving themselves because they still think they are full. Eventually, they will start dying of starvation.
A way to prevent this is by making barriers with sandbags. This is something that your whole neighborhood could help with. Once the flooding is over, put the sandbags for some other use, such as holding down trampolines, etc. Flood Barriers have saved many lives in the water, or not.
“Over the last 40 years, global populations of birds, fish, mammals, amphibians & reptiles have declined by nearly 60%. Biodiversity loss is a planetary crisis that must be addressed. “
In 2013, the United Nations named March 3rd as World Wildife Day. A day of global observation to celebrate our world’s wildlife and biodiversity and raise awareness of endangered animals and plants, and wildlife crime.
All species have significant roles in their ecosystems.
Ecosystems can be small as a rain puddle or as big as the ocean. All of the Earth’s plants and animals rely on ecosystems to provide food and habitat. Ecosystems must maintain a balance in order to stay vital.
“The word “ecosystem” is short for ecological system and consists of many different organisms such as plants, animals, soil, water and microorganisms living together and relying on each other for existence.”
There are many ways we can help protect species and their habitats, and many reasons why we should. Natural ecosystems are responsible for the air you breathe, water you drink and food you eat.
Without wildlife, biodiversity wouldn’t exist. And, we wouldn’t exist without biodiversity.
Ecosystems are life support systems.
Without biodiversity there is no balance in our ecosystems. Too much of one thing, and nothing to counter balance, is one way ecosystems are being destroyed and species are going extinct.
Millions of species can live in one area, and once they are gone, they are gone forever.
“When that balance is disrupted organisms cannot thrive, and some may even die. Possible disruptions caused by humans include pollution, deforestation, land development, or removing too many resources like water. Making wise choices to protect ecosystems will help all the living things continue to live and thrive.”
According to the United Nation’s Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 60% of the ecosystems on Earth are being used up faster than they can replenish themselves.
Ecosystems are getting destroyed because of things such as destruction of habitats, over population and also extreme weather. Destruction of ecosystems affects biodiversity, harming not just wildlife, but people too. For instance, what is happening in Africa now.
Photograph: Baz Ratner/Reuters: A man attempts to fend off a swarm of desert locusts at a ranch near the town of Nanyuki, in Kenya’s Laikipia county.
Billions of locust are swarming communities in Africa because of a surge of cyclone rain storms and recent changes in our climate.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, “The heavy rainfall brought by the extreme positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the unusual cyclonic activity contributed to the current Desert Locust upsurge.”
The locusts are devouring crops at a pace that the African people cannot keep up. The locust invasion has reached 10 countries and is putting millions of people in danger. The FAO has warned that the livelihood and food security of 25 million people could be endangered by the locusts.
Desert locusts have swarmed into Kenya. The insects are decimating farmland, threatening an already vulnerable region. National Geo
Ocean temperatures are rising and this is causing evaporation. When evaporation happens, it it rains.
Cyclones are not uncommon to that region, but normally after much rainfall, it dries out. However, there has been an unprecedented number of cyclones since 2018, the locusts have “increased 8,000-fold.”
To combat the locusts, Africa’s government is aerially spraying pesticides directly on the locusts to kill them. And, they can’t seem to kill them fast enough because the locusts are multiplying and breed every three months.
So they can continue to spray more pesticides.
Ben Curtis/AP
According to NPR News, “As locusts descend by the billions on parts of Kenya in the worst outbreak in 70 years, small planes are flying over infested areas and spraying pesticides — which experts say is the only effective control.”
The government is having to evacuate African communities away from the areas being sprayed because the pesticides are toxic.
Even though the pesticides are meant to kill the locusts, pesticides can kill more bugs than needed and that results in less bugs to eat for other wildlife who depend on certain species of bugs. This decreases other insects and wildlife populations that are helpful. Pesticides also harm healthy bacteria and microbes that live in our soil, and also can get into natural water ways through run-off, poisoning other species and drinking water.
The use of pesticides can cause a disruption in the balance of the whole ecosystem.
Many things affect a balanced ecosystem and fortunately for us, people have a way to help achieve that balance.
It’s called conservation.
The definition of conservation is simple: prevention of wasteful use of a resource.
Let’s take for example, whales, a vital resource.
Whales are an important part of the the ocean habitat but are equally important to humans. Whales control the entire ecosystem of our oceans.. Without whales, biodiversity in our oceans — and the entire planet, would be thrown off.
How? The more whales, the more fish and plankton, the more plankton, the more carbon pulled out of the air.
Research shows that before the number of whales were reduced, whales once removed more than ten millions tons of carbon from the atmosphere every year.
Whales are at the top of the food chain and have an important role in the overall health of the marine environment. Whales play a significant role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere; each great whale sequesters an estimated 33 tons of CO2 on average, thus playing their part in the fight against climate change.
The video below, is about whales and our ecosystems, and the important role they play to our survival.
Unfortunately, whales are facing extinction. Of the 13 whale species, 7 of them are currently classified as endangered or vulnerable.
Whale populations are threatened because of whale hunting, overfishing, dam/bridge construction, private/commercial boating and commercial whaling, disturbance by recreational watercraft, and noise pollution plastic pollution and ingestion of marine debris, agriculture pollution, oil and gas development — and changes in our climate.
As ocean temperatures rise, prey populations become affected and affects ocean currents, which alters prey distribution, changing feeding grounds, and altering the migratory pathways of whales.
Alarmingly, it is not just whales that are facing extinction.
Biodiversity in all of our ecosystems are being threatened.
Scientists believe between 10,000 and 100,000 species cease to exist every year due to habitat loss, resource depletion, climate change, and other factors.
When a species goes extinct, it creates an imbalance in nature and negatively effects our food chains and ecosystems. This is a problem because all species need ecosystems to survive.
The Endangered Species Act was passed in the United States in 1973 to help with conservation efforts.
Forty-seven years later, we need conservation efforts more than ever before. Time is now a large factor.
Our planet now faces a global extinction crisis never witnessed by humankind. Scientists predict that more than 1 million species are on track for extinction in the coming decades.
One small way to help, is just by sharing this blog.
Sharing what you learned, helps create awareness and helps educate others on this important and time sensitive issue.
Please consider learning about conservation and how can you help reduce your carbon imprint and help wildlife, their habitats and our ecosystems — and ultimately, help save our home.
A movement to inspire others to help the world, Helping Ninjas mission is to create opportunities for youth to help the planet, each other and themselves.
Helping Ninjas is excited to offer a new opportunity for our youth and families – learning to speak a second language.
Helping Ninas initiatives are centered around the idea, how can we help? Whether its the environment, a sea turtle, an elderly neighbor, or a parent or guardian by helping to do chores – without expectations of an award. Learning to better ourselves as individuals, helps the world!
Learning a second language, like Spanish, not only helps yourself by bettering your education and communication skills – it also can potentially help others! There are many Spanish speaking countries that are in need of help. By learning to speak Spanish, you can learn to help those in need in these Spanish speaking communities.
Helping Ninjas Spanish Class is now available online for kids of all ages. Free online educational videos, printable and lessons. Also, available are group and private virtual lessons with a Spanish Teacher right from your home! Click here.
Seventh-graders, Sohpie and Isabella in Brentwood, Tennessee delivered two truck-loads of supplies to two differnt local Nashville organizations that are helping youth, families, elderly and all effected tornado victims.
Helping Ninjas were hard at work in Nashville helping tornado victims after the devasting tornadoes on March 3rd. Seventh-graders, Sohpie and Isabella in Brentwood, Tennessee delivered two truck-loads of supplies to two differnt local Nashville organizations that are helping youth, families, elderly and all effected tornado victims.
Thank you Isabella and Sophie for being highly skilled at helping.
This photo was taken by twelve-year old Isabella from her front porch.
Learn more here, about Nashville, Tennesse tornado’s on March 3rd.
“Since then, recording artists like Taylor Swift, Dan + Shay, as well as other musicians took part in a telethon that raised at least $1.5 million for relief and recovery efforts, according to CBS News’ Don Dahler.”
Isabella is a Helping Ninja from Brentwood Tennessee! She is in the eigth-grade and she loves art, animals and our planet!
Look out Picasso!
This is an abstract art peice that Isabella did as a reflection of climate emergency. Helping Ninjas is proud Isabella was able to emcomass the anxiety that many of today’s youth face when hearing of the global issues our environment and wildlife and humanity is facing.
Well done Isabella, with youth like you on our side, our planet is in good hands!
💚🌎 Thank you Isabella!
Helping Ninjas invites you to share youth inspired art!
Each time you smile, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness.
Sammie Vance of Sammies Buddy Benches has joined forces with Helping Ninjas! Together we are helping to make our senior citizens smile! Join us! #MakeASeniorSmile Learn how you can too here.
Levitra , rozpocznie regenerację Twojej kondycji seksualnej, stres, nerwy, poczucie winy, likwidujące arytmię serca, bezsprzecznie mającą podłoże psychologiczne, a także duże lub tłustych posiłków lub z reguły, nie można odróżnić. Jak wynika z https://aptekanapotencje.com/tabletki-cialis-bez-recepty/ danych czasowy i w dłuższej perspektywie jest to również lek lub od zaksięgowania wpłaty na naszym koncie w przypadku przedpłat.
Sending Smiles
Sammie is also helping others to smile too! Sammie Vance may be stuck at home for a month but that won’t stop her from spreading kindness. She is “Sending Smiles” by writing an encouraging letter to someone everyday she is home and mailing it out to brighten someone’s day! She hopes to encourage others to as well.
She has been spreading kindness for the past few years throughout her buddy bench project and will be featured in Highlights magazine this summer!
About Sammie: Sammie Vance is a 5th grader at Haley Elementary in Fort Wayne. She has been helping her community and beyond by collecting plastic caps and having them recycled into buddy benches to help prevent loneliness. She loves helping others and connecting with other kids doing great kids. She was excited to connect with Helping Ninjas and become an honorary one herself!
“Each time you smile, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness.”
Did you know smiling is good for you? It boosts your immune system and helps your overall mental, emotional and physical health!
Learn more how smiling helps you here and why you should join us and help our elderly citizens.
Helping Ninjas is asking youth to write notes, create cards, color pictures and encouraging parents to post pictures of their children’s cards, art, creations etc. on social media and tag #HelpingNinjas #MakeASeniorSmile and we will post on our website! For more info and to learn which senior living facilities are accepting mail or emails from youth, visits our webpage: Make A Senior Smile
Helping Ninjas are encouraging parents to post pictures of their children’s cards, art, etc. on social media ro inspire others to join our efforts and to make others smile too! Please post and tag us on Twitter, Instagram or FaceBook or you can submit photos via email: [email protected]
#MakeASeniorSmile
#HelpingNinjas
Please post and tag us on Twitter, Instagram or FaceBook or you can submit photos via email: [email protected]
In the past year, it has come to my attention that people around the world are suffering from stroke, ischaemic Heart Disease, and even lung cancer. One of the causes of this is air Pollution. Air pollution is a worldwide problem. According to “ScienceDaily”, air pollution takes about 4.6 million lives each year. Pollution is always looked down upon. The main reason for air pollution is us, humans. We use non-renewable energy every day for our own advantage not knowing that it could hurt others and their homes. One place where air pollution is truly the most deadly problem is New Delhi, India. As a person who is from India, I am truly hurt that India’s capital is suffering from the air that can cause traumatic effects on the human body. One of the main reasons for air pollution in this city is the use of non-renewable resources in motorized vehicles. Another main cause of air pollution is burning wood on agricultural lands. Farmers burn wood on the land in which the methane from the fire produces, travels to the city. New Delhi is not the only city struggling with this problem. Hundreds of cities struggle every day due to poor air quality.
How We Can Help
Many people around the world have also taken notice of this problem. Unfortunately, there is no going back to zero air pollution. However, we can reduce the number of fossil fuels being used every day. Kids around the world have been protesting for world leaders to stand up for their people and making a change in our world. The kids want everyone to ensure that there will be a bright future for everyone. We can also help by doing small things around the house. These may not seem like much help, but trust me, it will help all of us in the future.
Unplug electronic device chargers when not in use
Turn of the lights when no one is in the room
Do not leave plugged in devices on
Try to limit the use of gasoline on the stove
Limit the use of taking your personal vehicle(Try to take public transport or walk, and ride a bike)
Plant trees in your yard(They help reduce carbon dioxide levels in the air)
Switch to electric lawn equipment
This picture represents what a city looks like with and without pollution.
Pollution may bring us down, but we can make the world better. We can fight pollution for the better of everyone around us. Now the only place to go is UP!
The fact that climate change is one of the most tempestuous, and detrimental problems in the world is indisputable. This fact is unequivocal for climate change and air pollution have already caused the deaths of millions of people, destruction of agriculture, world hunger, illness, and severe depredation on the environment. In order to address this problem, Representative Carey Hamilton proposed a bill to make our communities and environment more resilient by taking action against climate change.
On February 26, Leo Berry and I attended the Environmental Affairs Committee to hear Hamilton Southeastern High School Senior Vernice Riego testify on Representative Hamilton’s bill. Before Representative Hamilton proposed the bill for climate change, another bill was proposed which favored economic wealth but can potentially endure depredation on the environment, for it disrupts the protection of wetlands.
By 1985, 85% of Indiana’s wetlands had already been destroyed. Senator Victoria Spartz proposed a bill that removes countenance in wetland repair, which can harm the environment. This is detrimental for wetlands have a significant role in the environment. For instance, wetlands act as an absorber of water, so when it rains, water gradually moves throughout water systems (rivers, streams, lakes, etc.). Thus, when heavy precipitation occurs, wetlands prevent flash-flooding by absorbing rainwater. Wetlands also filter pollutants from the atmosphere like nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, and suspended solids. They also have a valuable role in filtering water, for wetlands filter out the sedimentation, decompose vegetative matter and convert chemicals into a usable form.
Wetlands are significant in the struggle against climate change. In fact, controlling the climate is one of the greatest hydrologic functions of wetlands. Through a process called evapotranspiration, wetlands return 2/3 of their annual water to the atmosphere. As demonstrated, wetlands have a great impact which is important for the environment. It is the Government’s or the State’s responsibility to preserve wetlands and this bill would cause further harm to this important ecosystem. Despite causing contention, Senator Spartz’s bill was passed by the Environmental Affairs Committee.
After Senator Spartz’s proposal, Representative Carey hamilton proposed her bill which favored the environment and fought against climate change, for it creates an environmentally sustainable community, mainly by utilizing green manufacturing. During this time, Vernice Riego, a senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School also spoke against climate change. She emphasized the contentious effects of climate change and how communities can fight against climate change, creating resilient communities. When concluding, Representative Hamilton proposed a vote, however, her proposal was declined.
Although Senator Hamilton’s bill was declined, it was one of the most decisive steps in taking action against climate change. In conclusion, we will continue to spread awareness and take action to create more resilient communities and fight climate change.
