#save the amazon rainforest

[olowan-waphiya]

A huge ancient city has been found in the Amazon, hidden for thousands of years by lush vegetation.

The discovery changes what we know about the history of people living in the Amazon.

The houses and plazas in the Upano area in eastern Ecuador were connected by an astounding network of roads and canals.

The area lies in the shadow of a volcano that created rich local soils but also may have led to the destruction of the society.

While we knew about cities in the highlands of South America, like Machu Picchu in Peru, it was believed that people only lived nomadically or in tiny settlements in the Amazon.

"This is older than any other site we know in the Amazon. We have a Eurocentric view of civilisation, but this shows we have to change our idea about what is culture and civilisation," says Prof Stephen Rostain, director of investigation at the National Centre for Scientific Research in France, who led the research.

"It changes the way we see Amazonian cultures. Most people picture small groups, probably naked, living in huts and clearing land - this shows ancient people lived in complicated urban societies," says co-author Antoine Dorison.

The city was built around 2,500 years ago, and people lived there for up to 1,000 years, according to archaeologists.

It is difficult to accurately estimate how many people lived there at any one time, but scientists say it is certainly in the 10,000s if not 100,000s.

The archaeologists combined ground excavations with a survey of a 300 sq km (116 sq mile) area using laser sensors flown on a plane that could identify remains of the city beneath the dense plants and trees.

—

"The road network is very sophisticated. It extends over a vast distance, everything is connected. And there are right angles, which is very impressive," he says, explaining that it is much harder to build a straight road than one that fits in with the landscape.

The scientists also identified causeways with ditches on either side which they believe were canals that helped manage the abundant water in the region.

There were signs of threats to the cities - some ditches blocked entrances to the settlements, and may be evidence of threats from nearby people.

Researchers first found evidence of a city in the 1970s, but this is the first time a comprehensive survey has been completed, after 25 years of research.

It reveals a large, complex society that appears to be even bigger than the well-known Mayan societies in Mexico and Central America.

—

Some of the findings are "unique" for South America, he explains, pointing to the octagonal and rectangular platforms arranged together.

The societies were clearly well-organised and interconnected, he says, highlighting the long sunken roads between settlements.

Not a huge amount is known about the people who lived there and what their societies were like.

Pits and hearths were found in the platforms, as well as jars, stones to grind plants and burnt seeds.

—

Prof Rostain says he was warned against this research at the start of his career because scientists believed no ancient groups had lived in the Amazon.

#indigenous #the amazon #anthropology #archaeology #south america #turtle island #the amazon rainforest #its the bbc so it still is eurocentric #but bolding and sharing some parts that are interesting #white scientists could save so much time by not assuming shit #i think thats part of the scientific method #some of the language is a bit iffy to me too #i dont really enjoy when non natives get to ‘discover’ something that has always been there #and was made and mightve known about by any local tribes #but hey this is cool~ #and more proof that we’ve been here longer than colonizers wanna think

[humanrightsconnected]

The recent satellite data from Brazil's space agency Inpe reveals that deforestation in the Brazilian portion of the Amazon rainforest hit a new record high last month.

As the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) states, the Amazon “is of vital importance because people around the world, as well as locally, depend on the rainforest. Not just for food, water, wood and medicines, but to help stabilise the climate — around 76 billion tonnes of carbon is stored in the Amazon rainforest. The trees in the Amazon also release 20 billion tonnes of water into the atmosphere per day, playing a critical role in global and regional carbon and water cycles.”

On the International Day of Forests 🌳🌲🌱, learn 6 things you can do to help the Amazon Rainforest!

#international day of forests #forest day #forest #forests #rainforest #rainforests #amazon #amazonia #amazonian #amazonas #amazon rainforest #amazon forest #amazonian forest #floresta amazonica #amazonas brasil #amazon jungle #jungle #jungles #pray for amazonia #save the amazon #deforestation #brazil #brasil #south america #nature #environment #climate change

[talmagemoorehead]

"Every good tree bears good fruit." - the Nazarene

Consider this energetic young man, Paul Rosolie, who's living big in Peru, doing something of epic value for humanity in the Amazon Rainforest. His life-and-death encounters are spellbinding and should rattle the cages of us complacent US citizens.

I just finished watching a video documentary that connected a lot of depressing dots between Hollywood, the news media, the giant corporations that sensor free speech, a global cult of powerful religious pedophiles, and the apparent partial takeover of the CIA by Nazis who were brought into the US after WWII via “Project Paperclip.” There’s no end to real (as best I can tell) conspiracies where…

View On WordPress

#Conservation #conspiracy theory #Deforestation Suicide #Genetic Diversity Preservation #Living in the Rainforests #Meanwhile beyond Hollywood #Paul Rosolie #Rainforests Burning #Running for your life in the Rainforest #Saving Amazon Rainforests #Top Danger in the Amazon Jungle

[webcallon]

make money

#amazon rainforest #amazon money saving tips 2023 #make money on youtube #make money for free #make money today #make money tips #make money websites #make money on facebook #make money from home #make money now #make money blogging #make money fast #make money online

[rabindranaath82]

Endangered 5 Monkeys In The Amazon Rainforest.

#Endangered Amazon monkeys #5 endangered monkeys Amazon #Amazon rainforest monkey species #Threatened monkeys Amazon #Endangered monkeys in South America #Amazonian monkey conservation #Endangered primates Amazon #Monkeys under threat in Amazon #Amazon rainforest endangered primates #Saving Amazon monkeys #Amazon monkey populations #Amazonian primates at risk #Threats to Amazon monkeys #Amazon rainforest monkey habitat loss #Protecting Amazon monkeys #Amazon rainforest monkey species list #Amazon primates in danger #Endangered Amazon primates #5 threatened monkeys Amazon #Amazon rainforest monkey conservation efforts #Endangered Amazon monkey species #Threats facing Amazon monkeys #Preserving Amazonian monkey populations #Amazon rainforest primates and habitat loss #Amazonian monkey habitat destruction #Safeguarding Amazonian primates #Amazon rainforest monkey habitat protection #Protecting Amazonian monkeys from extinction #Amazon monkey species at risk #Saving Amazonian primates from habitat loss

[glitchlight]

honestly somebody should introduce the zoomers to all the c-tier or failed memes that have accumulated like storm tossed driftwood on the distant shores of long lost memory. tumblr is to the wider internet as the dust of the barren sahara is to infnite diversity of the amazon rainforest; a vital resource little known save to those who watch the winds blow. do they know about forearm laser. has anyone told them about jo crystals. I could teach them so much; I could be a prophet to them. A messiah.

[reasonsforhope]

"After its first-ever left-wing presidential administration took charge of negotiating permanent peace with the socialist FARC rebels, Colombia’s forests are feeling the effects with a 26% reduction in deforestation in the conflict areas.

These dense, biodiverse rainforests that are a part of the Amazon in places, and independent of it in others, have been one of the many victims of the country’s civil war.

However, President Gustavo Petro is conducting peace negotiations that put the environment first with around 20 splinter factions of the FARC guerillas, who have responded positively.

De-facto leadership in the conflict areas in the forested state of Gauviare has instituted its own deforestation moratorium, and an estimated 50,000 hectares of rainforest have been saved as a result.

“This is really dramatic,” conservationist Rodrigo Botero told The Guardian. “It’s the highest reduction in deforestation and forest fires that there has been in two decades.”

The Guardian recently covered these peace negotiations alongside a delegation from Norway which included that country’s environment minister, Espen Barth Eide.

“What I’m hearing, seeing, and feeling in these meetings is that there is an enhanced understanding that you cannot build a new Colombia on the basis of the further deterioration of nature, so you have to find an economic, social, political, inclusive process that is more respectful towards nature than before,” Barth told the English paper.

Often flying under the radar when compared to its neighbor Brazil, Colombia is the second-most biodiverse country on Earth, and the most biodiverse in terms of bird life.

It’s the 25th-highest country in the world for Forest Integrity Index score (8.26) and boasts twice as many square miles of highly-intact forest than of poorly-intact forest, almost all of which resides in the conflicted states of Amazonia, Caquetá, and Putumayo.

If the Petro government can really put the brakes on the conversion of forests into pastureland for cattle, it would be helping to save one of the most valuable tropical forest ecosystems on Earth."

-via Good News Network, 7/14/23

#colombia #latin america #amazon #amazon rainforest #amazonia #putumayo #petro government #civil war #conservation #biodiversity #good news #hope #hope posting

[salvadorbonaparte]

Broaden Your Horizons 2024

A Non-Fiction Rec List by Salvadorbonaparte

Books

Adventures in Yiddishland: Postvernacular Language and Culture - Jeffrey Shandler

A Good Man in Evil Times: The Heroic Story of Aristides de Sousa Mendes -- The Man Who Saved the Lives of Countless Refugess in World War II - Jose-Alain Fralon, Peter Graham (trans.)

Brief Answers to the Big Questions - Stephen Hawking

Erebus: The Story of a Ship - Michael Palin

Every Word Is A Bird We Teach To Sing: Encounters with the Mysteries and Meanings of Language - Daniel Tammet

Federico Garcia Lorca: A Life - Ian Gibson

Getting to Yes: Negotiating an agreement without giving in - Roger Fisher, William Ury

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban - Malala Yousafzai

Ice Ghosts: The Epic Hunt for the Lost Franklin Expedition - Paul Watson

Identity and Violence: The Illusion of Destiny - Amartya Sen

If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating - Alan Alda

Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism

Iwígara: American Indian Ethnobotanical Traditions and Science

Lingo: A Language Spotter's Guide to Europe - Gaston Dorren, Alison Edwards (trans.)

Monsters in the Closet: Homosexuality and the Horror Film - Harry M. Benshoff

One River: Explorations and Discoveries in the Amazon Rainforest - Wade Davis

Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour - Kate Fox

What's Your Pronoun? Beyond He and She - Dennis Baron

Documentaries

Bowling for Columbine

Break It All: The History of Rock in Latin America

ReMastered: Tricky Dick and the Man in Black

She's Beautiful When She's Angry

Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street

Podcasts

Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

Freaks and Psychos: The Disability in Horror Podcast

Lingthusiasm

Ologies with Alie Ward

Root of Evil: The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia

The Sewers of Paris

#non fiction #nonfiction #book recs #podcasts #documentaries #documentary #podcast recs #book recommendations #podcast recommendations #rec list

[averageallogene]

What are your thoughts on Tighnari x Modern!reader? Like reader gets transported into Genshin, and Tighnari finds them wondering around the forest confused or sum like that! I feel like that could be something interesting to think about. Thank you, and have a lovely day <3

Gender neutral reader ; fluff. Scenario format.

notes. Hello dear anon! ♡ That's such an interesting idea, I feel like Tighnari would definitely be one of the most fun characters to come across a modern reader! I hope you enjoy the ideas and I apologize for the wait! Enjoy! ✧˖°.

Tighnari would definitely, at first, be a little ticked off upon finding some lost soul so dangerously prowling through the Avidya Forest! All his hardwork only to have people ignore his well deserved warnings had him prematurely growing white hairs, seriously.

He would at first watch from afar as the person, seemingly confused, walked slowly as their eyes gawked at the fauna and flora around them, fingers carefully brushing through the folliage as they attempted to figure out their surroundings. He would jump into actino however, upon noticing how they approached some fungi with a smile on their face- Did they not know they were a dangerous threat!?

Turns out, they didn't. The unknown individual would nearly scream at the sight of one of his arrows flying through the air, hastily dealing with the problem. The forest ranger would watch as they fell back, eyes soon landing on him before inquiring why did he do that.

"Why? Because they're a danger, isn't that obvious?" Would be the first words he'd ever throw at them, hand resting on his hip before his eyes narrowed. "Hey, you listening to me?"

They weren't. I mean, how could they? They had someone with real ears and a tail in front of them, wagging and wiggling at every little sound. The sudden urge to touch them was strong, but they had to find out where they were first and foremost.

Tighnari was definitely a little ruthless at first, even if there were some alarm bells that the person before him wasn't from Teyvat. Hinsight's 20/20, and their clothing definitely should've been enough for him to inquire more. Still, his attitude definitely stemmed from the worry of them being injured.

It would all change upon them bashfully cutting him off. "Yes, yes, I understand but- Where exactly... Am I? What place is this?"

Well, Tighnari had been with the traveler before, so despite the initial surprise of their question, he quickly realized what was the issue. It was as though the pieces finally connected, his tongue clicking silently before he offered an apology for any worried smothering.

He helped them get up, checking for any injuries before they made their way back to Gandharva Ville. Their eyes would wander between the forest and his ears, but he simply ignored as he explained to the best of his abilities. He went into deep detail to try and ensure they grasped their situation, explaining a little bit of their history all the while.

"A rainforest... So like the Amazon!" Their eyes would sparkle as they thought aloud, Tighnari hesitantly responding with a 'yes?' even though he had no idea what the 'Amazon' was. He would definitely inquire about it later, he first had to ensure they recieved food and water.

Only upon ensuring they were alright and rested, would Tighnari ask more personal information like their name! After all, he wished to let them know they were safe with the Forest Rangers. Thankfully, despite the initial shock, they were cooperative and overall positive. Perhaps it was due to the initial shock of being somewhere far from home.

He would listen super attentively to everything they had to say! From their name, where they were from, what was it like... The researcher would simply nod his head and even take a few notes, most likely for some follow up questions he'd save for later.

"It's like you're my therapist, taking those notes, haha!"

"A 'therapist'?"

Oh boy.

Praise the Archons they were very patient, for Tighnari's curiosity knew no bounds. In truth, it was endearing. His tail would wag slowly from side to side, his ears twitching ocasionally as he hummed over whatever they had to say. He most definitely took notice, that was something he was used to, after all. A few days later he even took the initiative to ask something regarding the constant staring.

"Do you want to touch them? They're quite fluffy."

"Can I?!" Their excitement was adorable, in truth.

He bent his head down so they could reach his ears, their touch much more soft than what was the norm. Tighnari let them explore his ears with a small smile, followed by his tail. His trained eye knew it wasn't something they were used to seeing, yet still he asked.

"Do you... Not have hybrids back where you're from?"

"No! These aren't a thing back home, so that's why- Oh Goodness they're so soft."

Cute.

Throughout the course of their stay, he would inquire if they'd feel comfortable sharing more about their home, and the two of them would sit together as he listened more about their life before they had stumbled upon Teyvat. Tighnari got to learn a lot of strange things, like what a smartphone was. How exactly could... A small, artificial rectangular device be smart, he had no idea, but he surely wouldn't let Cyno know of that term no matter what. He already cringed with the jokes even when miles away.

Another topic Tighnari liked to revisit often was the botany field. He'd inquire if they had similar flowers to the ones in Pardis Dhyai, the two having tranquil walks as he listened to interesting facts about the flora of their home, if they knew any. He would ask questions that would be nothing less than endearing to them, inquiring aloud how if they had no Padisarahs how would they season their food, for instance. And speaking of food! Him and Collei adored cooking for them, watching with curiosity if they enjoyed the food Sumeru had to offer. Turns out, they themselves knew how to cook pretty well, so it was a treat whenever they would cook a specialy of their home, or the closest thing possible given the difference in ingredients!

And despite the good times and the seemingly seamless adaptation process, homesickness was bound to come. Tighnari was more than aware of it, so he would do next to anything he could to try and help them cope. If they have any particular hobbies, he would do his best to indulge with them. Drawing? He's not great, but he'll join them. Writing? He'll offer to read whatever they write, if they want! Music? Perhaps they can visit the Grand Bazaar and search for an instrument for them. Speaking of the Grand Bazaar, some strolls through Sumeru City are sure to help! Hell, even if Cyno's joke's help ease the melancholy, he will deal with them for a month straight if needed.

He would also exchange more regular mail with the traveler, inquiring if they'd yet found a way to return to their own home. Perhaps they had an idea how to do so? Or even better, maybe they could meet his new friend? After all, only someone who shares the same homesickness can perhaps have a deeper conversation regarding the emotions that such a thing stirrs within. Even if he'd like for them to stay... He totally understands if in the long run that isn't a viable option. Tighnari will support them either way.

Case and point, Tighnari is a great friend, going the extra mile for those he cares about. ♡

#genshin impact #genshin impact tighnari x reader #genshin tighnari x reader #tighnari x reader #genshin fluff #genshin x reader #yoko drabbles

[sanyu-thewitch05]

Yandere Demon Lord with an Angel Darling!

Daeman is a Great Demon feared by many,demons and angels alike. He's known as one of the worst in the Underworld,one day while he was strolling in a forest of the mortal world

He met her,the Darling,an angel who just happened to be there,he heard her sweet voice singing from afar,she was so sweet and kind. She wasn't even disgusted at the sight of him,she was different than all of those pretentious angels who would scoff at him if they see him

It was true love at first sight

They met eachother more and more in that forest. But Daeman knew he couldn't stop his growing love and lust for this innocent doe

He knew if he keeps letting her go,she would fly away from him one day. So he pulled her down to the Underworld with him

Darling was terrified ofc,she was so naive like a bunny caught in a trap. Daeman claimed her in bed afterwards ofc,while doing so,he told her that her God isn't here, only he is here

She became his darling wife afterwards, she's not getting back to Heaven anytime soon,now that she's defiled by him

Daeman was a sick bastard,he even puts a sigil on her womb called the Love's sigil, it's a mark of possession over her,it will even help him track her down should she escapes, when he activates the sigil,Darling would feel unimaginable lust,but ofc it prevents her from laying with any man beside Daeman himself~

After all he only wants her to lust after him and only he's the one to satiate her lust

A/N: Sorry this took so long to answer. I have two papers due in a week. Also, this is pretty tame, but hopefully, you still like it. I mainly based some of this work off of Hades and Persephone.

Also, here's a song to go with it, if anyone wants to listen:

TW: Smut, blood

You were a blessing to Earth. Everywhere you went, miracles happened. Ghosts went to the afterlife when you walked on their grounds, the darkest beasts bowed down and became domesticated, and life bloomed on your footprints. Your favorite spot is a quiet spot in the Amazon Rainforest. You love the biodiversity and the never-ending sounds of the forest.

"Ooh, ooh, just for the flowers, sea, and me," You sing, combing your hair.

In the clouds above, the most feared man in the underworld, Daeman, is watching for trouble or humans to mess with. Then, he hears your voice, and before he knows it, Daeman is behind you.

"Your voice sounds beautiful," Daeman says, sitting next to you.

You turn around and look him up and down. You see his wide frame, 6'5 figure, and long dark purple hair. You smile at him, light filling the forest floor.

"Hi, what's your name?" You ask, slowly moving your feet in the water.

"Daeman, you probably know me. Most people in the Underworld know who I am," Daeman says, unsure why you're nice to him.

"I do know. My angel friends tell me all sorts of things about you. But I saved my judgment until I actually met you. Which would be now."

Daeman's mind couldn't help but scream, "She's different! She's different than them!".

It was true love at first sight. Unbeknownst to them, two cupids are watching them from behind the trees. They pull out their bow and arrows and shoot at Daeman and you. An explosion of pink happens around the two of you, neither of you can see it, and the feeling of love settles in.

"I can't wait to talk to you again," You say, flying away. The sun eventually covers your figure.

"Wait-"

Daeman's hand is in the air, reaching for you but out of reach like you are his Icarus. He sighs and returns to the Underworld.

"Boss, what's wrong?" A fellow demon asks, seeing him reappear.

"Nothing, I just saw Icarus fly away," Daeman responds, walking into his mansion.

Daeman returned to that same spot tomorrow, and soon enough, you two met each other there every day. You two became closer and traveled the human world together.

"I wanna stay with you forever," You say, holding Daeman's arm.

"You shouldn't say such things around me. I'll drag you down like Hades did Persephone," Daeman responds, putting a hand on your cheek.

"It's ok. I heard what you said. I know you're afraid of me flying away from you. But I'm not. I'll gladly give up my wings and live a mortal life with you," You say, kissing Daeman.

"No. No! No! No! Stop! You're making it worse! Stop it!"

"Daeman, I want to be with you!"

"Don't! Please, don't!"

"I love anything you do. I love you. You know, even If I listen to music that is not my style, or even if I eat food that I don't like, or even if it's raining without an umbrella and all soaking wet, it's alright. I love it because I love you."

Daeman hugs you, and suddenly the ground beneath you disappears. You fall into the dark abyss with him and wake up in a bed with him.

"My angel, would you do me the honor of being my bride?" Daeman asks, pulling out a blood-red ring.

You were terrified. The walls were gothic and black. There's no sunlight. Only a red moonlight peeks through the velvet curtains.

"Y-Yes," You answer, stuttering as you feel something bad is happening.

Daeman slips the ring on your finger, and you feel a burning sensation on your wings.

"AAAAHH!" You shriek in pain, arching your back.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Daeman exclaims, cradling you.

Your wings burn away until they are nothing. Daeman's long nails go to your stomach and draw a love sigil. He couldn't help but follow his instincts. He had to mark what was his.

"What have you done to me?" You cry, tears falling onto Daeman's clothing.

"My love, you're my bride now. You've chosen to be with me. Your God has forsaken you for choosing a demon like me. I'm only here for you. You, my Icarus, flew too close to the sun," Daeman says, kissing every piece of skin showing. "The love sigil should be taking effect any minute now. How does it feel to only feel lust for me and no other man?"

Incredible lust overtakes your body, and you fiercely kiss Daeman. Nothing matters in the world more than him.

"My dear Hades, won't you show me how it feels to be with you?" You say, taking off your dress.

Daeman undresses, and soon enough, you both cave into your worldly desires. He strokes his dick, then puts it into you. Your pussy is unbelievably tight, and you cry in pain.

"Daeman, it hurts," You weep, crying onto his chest.

"I know it hurts, my love. Stay still, I'll help you," Daeman comforts, kissing your lips.

The love sigil glows and suddenly, your pussy is dripping wet. Daeman starts to thrust and you're overtaken by these new feelings. No one made you feel the way he did. Even in romance or in sex.

"Ah~" You moan, holding onto Daeman to keep whatever is left of your sanity.

"Yes, baby! Keep going!" Daeman encourages, trying to keep you from orgasming too early.

Your stomach feels weird, and your love sigil glows.

"Daeman, I'm cumming!" You moan, trying to hold it in.

"I know, my love. I'm cumming too," Daeman moans, thrusting faster. His long nails scratched your skin.

"Oh, Daeman!" You exclaim, throwing your head back.

You both cum together, and the love sigil becomes a faint mark. Daeman pulls out of you and carries you to the bathroom. He turns on the hot water and places you in the bathtub.

"My angel, are you upset with me?" Daeman asks, washing your body. The blood from your first time turning the water red.

"I don't know. I chose to be with you knowing the risks. I just didn't expect them to hurt so much. I never knew I wouldn't be traveling Earth and its skies again," You reply, hugging your knees.

"You said you would live a happy life as a mortal with me. If I became a mortal with you, would you be happy?"

"Of course. There's nothing I wouldn't give to see Earth again."

"Then, so be it. I will be a mortal too. And when our time comes to enter the Underworld again, we will be together. Forever."

You kiss Daeman and look into his eyes. He goes into the water with you, and you continue to make out with him. You both go underwater, feeling like you're on cloud nine.

#asks #sanyuthewitch05 #yandere demon #yandere smut

[rebeccathenaturalist]

How Fireworks Harm Nature

Originally posted at my blog at https://rebeccalexa.com/how-fireworks-harm-nature/

It’s that time of year again, when millions of Americans celebrate our country’s independence by buying tons of fireworks to blow up over a period of several days. Admittedly I loved setting off firecrackers and M-60s when I was a kid, but no one had taken the time to explain to me the damage these explosives could do, other than warnings about not blowing off my fingers. And while I dutifully went out and swept up the debris afterward, I didn’t understand fully how fireworks harm nature.

Had I known then what I know now, I might not have been so enthusiastic about fireworks. I’ve always been a nature nerd, even at a very young age, but I didn’t always know how to connect everyday activities to their impact on the natural world. Environmental topics were always presented to me as something that happened elsewhere, like trying to keep giant pandas from going extinct, or saving the rainforests of the Amazon. That, of course, served to keep anyone from questioning what was happening right here at home.

Now that I am older and wiser, I have a much better understanding of how everything is connected, and how everything we do has some impact for good or ill. Let’s dig deeper into how the fireworks that will be detonated this year can affect the nature around them.

From end to end, the manufacture and use of both commercial and consumer-grade fireworks involves a whole host of chemicals that are hazardous to both our health and that of the ecosystems around us. Most start with potassium nitrate (which becomes gunpowder when mixed with the correct amounts of carbon and sulfur). A number of other compounds are added to create various colors and effects, as per this image from Compound Interest (click image for a larger version):

When these compounds are burned, they release significant amounts of airborne pollutants that affect the air we breathe, and then land in our water and soil. Some of these pollutants are toxic heavy metals such as magnesium, barium, strontium, lead, copper, potassium, and lithium. When certain heavy metals are absorbed into our bodies, whether through airborne particulates, the water we drink, or the food we eat, they can cause significant negative health effects. Even if you don’t experience any immediate, acute effects, long-term exposure often leads to chronic illnesses.

It’s not just ourselves that we have to worry about, either. Wildlife don’t have the option to move elsewhere if their habitat has been polluted by fireworks, and their health is often seriously compromised by heavy metals. Fish are especially susceptible to these pollutants which may accumulate in higher concentrations the higher up the food web you go.

Every being is at risk from the greenhouse gases produced by fireworks, including carbon dioxide and monoxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, and sulfur dioxide (the lattermost of which is well-known as a contributing factor to acid rain.) While fireworks may not be the biggest source of greenhouse gases that are fueling anthropogenic climate change, they’re one that is easy to cut out of our lives as they are completely unnecessary.

It’s not just the chemicals that threaten wildlife, though. the loud, percussive noise of fireworks is incredibly terrifying and disruptive to many wild animals (and domestic ones, too!) When a region is full of fireworks noise, animals may have nowhere to go to escape many nights of noise and flashing lights. The stress can cause their immune systems to tank, and has even led to the deaths of wildlife that either die from fear, or which run in front of vehicles while fleeing in panic. The effects may persist even after the fireworks are done for the year.

The timing of Independence Day is especially troubling as it is during the breeding/nesting season of many species of bird and other wild animal. The disruptive influence of fireworks can scare parent animals away from nests and dens, causing them to abandon their young, who will die without their parents’ support. (Birds that nest on beaches are at particular risk, since these places are especially popular for blowing up fireworks.) For what it’s worth, New Year’s Eve fireworks are also dangerous, as birds roosting in large groups nearby may die as a result of the commotion.

Another way fireworks harm nature is the explosions themselves. If a small animal happens to be in the ground at or near where a firework is being lit, the explosion can burn them to death or kill them through percussion. Other animals nearby can also be injured by the heat and percussion. The force of larger airborne fireworks can even knock birds out of the sky if they happen to be in range. And even if the wildlife are able to escape, they may waste a lot of precious energy being constantly panicked by the ongoing terrifying displays. The loss of that energy may be the difference between life and death if the animals are not able to find enough food to make up for the caloric deficit.

Even after the fireworks are done and everyone goes home, the debris left behind continues to pose a threat to wildlife. Like other trash, fireworks debris can be mistaken for food by birds, fish, and other animals. Even if they aren’t poisoned by its ingestion, the debris builds up in their stomach until they die of a fatal impaction or starve because they can no longer eat and digest actual food.

As climate change has caused prolonged drought across large portions of the United States and beyond, the decades of built-up ladder fuels left from fire suppression become a greater wildfire hazard. Any source of sparks may set off wildfires that could consume hundreds or even thousands of acres, but fireworks are one of the most unnecessary sources of potential wildfire danger.

The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and Washington torched nearly 50,000 acres of forest and damaged several popular trails; parts of it continued to smolder nearly a year later. The fire threatened almost 300 homes and other buildings, and trapped over 150 hikers on the Eagle Creek trail.

The cause? One fifteen year old boy tossing firecrackers over the edge of a cliff. This illustrates that anyone with fireworks, even something as seemingly small and insignificant as a firecracker shorter than one’s finger, can start a devastating wildfire. These fires kill numerous wild animals and plants, and additionally threaten any humans living in the area or working to fight the fire.

With so many people insisting on blowing things up to celebrate holidays, it can feel like an uphill battle. Yet there is a growing movement to ban the sale and use of fireworks in many municipalities, counties, and other regions. Some states restrict the sale of certain fireworks, and Massachusetts has even banned all of them. If you are concerned about fireworks in your community, try to find other people with similar concerns. Then, as a group, present your arguments to your city or county councilpeople and urge them to ban fireworks in their jurisdiction.

It’s also important to educate others on how fireworks harm nature. Many people simply don’t know the connection, much like I was unaware as a child because no one has told me. While you may meet resistance from some people, it’s important to keep putting the information out there in a calm, reasonable manner so that more receptive people can access it. (You can even use this article you’re reading right now as an easy access resource! Just please give me credit and include a link to my website if you decide to print it out to hand out to others.)

Finally, offer up alternatives to fireworks. Here are some fun, kid-friendly projects that are easy to find or put together (please make sure to clean up any plastic like glow sticks or silly string.) Consider laser or light displays instead of fireworks (by the way, “silent” fireworks are not actually silent, and they still release pollutants into the air, water, and soil.) If you absolutely must burn something, consider having a small bonfire in a safe, contained area (unless there’s a burn ban in your area) and always practice campfire safety. It can be a great way to get together with friends and family, and a campfire is better anyway since you can’t roast hot dogs or make s’mores over a pile of fireworks!

Did you enjoy this post? Consider taking one of my online foraging and natural history classes, checking out my other articles, or picking up a paperback or ebook I’ve written! You can even buy me a coffee here!

#fireworks #environment #conservation #wildlife #animals #nature #independence day #fourth of july #4th of July #pollution #climate change #long post #science #scicomm #fire #forest fires #birds #fish #ecology

[kp777]

The Amazon, home to more than 10% of the world’s known biodiversity, has not been spared. The return of El Niño, a band of warm water in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, and record-breaking North Atlantic Ocean temperatures have contributed to one of the most severe droughts recorded in the region’s history, affecting at least 600,000 people and countless plants and animals.

#amazon rainforest #tipping points #extreme heat #drought #climate crisis

[kaythefloppa]

Ok so I just watched Our Blue and Green World on the Video App and I do not have enough time to post my disjointed thoughts about it, and I'm frankly too much in shock by the whole thing to even say anything more. I will point out my one main thought since in a couple of hours, this is going to absolutely blow up the main WK tag and I want to get it off my chest before any major bandwagons hit. This'll be my last S7 spoiler related post for the night so I can log off and take a breather after what the fuck I just watched. Blue-whale/Amazon rainforest sized spoilers under the cut.

I am in such disbelief over this episode's ending. I'm not angry or fuming at the fact that they redeemed Paisey Paver after only giving her 7 appearances over the course of 8 years, (or maybe I'm too surprised to have any straight-forward) or the fact that they had the balls to do so, for ANY of the main villains, but I'm just.... bargaining here. They did a similar "hint" at the villains redeeming in the Christmas special only for it to be a fake-out. And in other episodes, we've seen the heroes legitimately help the villains, but through means other than redeeming them (i.e. saving Zach's life and trying to convince him to live it well, or rescuing Gourmand, or giving Donita a spider-silk dress that was made ethically).

This... is a whole new different level. They for one, pulled a Starlight Glimmer and gave her a new attire (which sucks BTW), and secondly, they had her join the Kratts, but this episode is the first out of the 4 episodes to air, meaning that this likely has to take place after those 3 episodes, so already there's my timeline post to make.

But more importantly, what next? Will they stick with this change? Will this be one of the things that is immediately undone by the end of the episode? Will this have a big role in the series? Is this an elaborate April Fools' prank??? Is this real? Is this the ultimate Paisley Paver pro gamer move to defeat the Kratt Brothers and evade arrest? Will any of this play into the Wild Kratts movie??

I'll tell you what it means [unless it is a prank, which I frankly hope it is] It is the show jumping the shark, and in it, I see one of two outcomes. Either A) it will skyrocket this show like never before, or B) only spell the beginning of the end. Time will tell. And frankly, there is so much that could go wrong. Like so much. I've seen a lot of shows completely go downhill, crash, and burn after sticking up for them so much. I would want to say that Wild Kratts is not/will not be one of those shows, but I could be wrong. In beautifully creative ways, this show has pleasantly surprised me more, and it is still able to bring out episodes that have been some of PBS Kids' best. So I'm walking in completely neutral, and seeing what the blue and green future has in store.

Keep on Creature Adventuring you guys.... see you on the Creature Trail... for better or worse...

#wild kratts #season 7 spoilers #wk s7 #wild kratts season 7 #I am telling you I was screaming “WHAT” over and over again every time when I saw this #Like in a neutral connotation as a legitimate question #What the fuck were they thinking??? #Like god I thought this show already jumped the shark when they did the time travel or gave Aviva and Koki suits but no #holy fucking shit #spoilers #spoiler alert #The one thing that I am pissed about is that this could permanently sink my Donita/Paisley ship + the idea of them teaming up #And that's assuming that she's even fully good. Like is this a trick? Is this real? Are they gonna give her a Creature Power Suit??? WHATTT #I can't guys this episode killed me #It was amazing by far the best episode of the series but #It physically KILLED ME. I cannot render at this moment having seen the episode #goodnight guys #paisley paver

[workingclasshistory]

On this day, 22 December 1988 Brazilian rubber worker activist, environmentalist and Indigenous rights advocate Chico Mendes was assassinated by a rancher. To try to protect the Amazon rainforest, rubber workers and Mendes, a senior official in their union, asked the government to set up reserves to prevent deforestation. Rubber workers in Cachoeira set up roadblocks to keep out a rancher called Darly Alves Da Silva who bought part of a reserve. Later, Mendes launched a campaign which stopped Da Silva from logging in another area, and not only that but successfully got a warrant for Da Silva's arrest for a murder he committed elsewhere. Mendes delivered the warrant to police but they failed to act on it. On the evening of Thursday 22 December, Mendes was assassinated in his home by Da Silva's son. He was the 19th rural activist to be murdered in Brazil that year. Da Silva, his son and one of their employees were jailed for 19 years for the killing, and following a global outpouring of support, the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve was set up, which alongside other reserves which were subsequently established now cover over 33 million acres. On the development of his activism, Mendes noted: "At first I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees, then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rainforest. Now I realize I am fighting for humanity." https://www.facebook.com/workingclasshistory/photos/a.1819457841572691/2168240583361080/?type=3

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Gold miners bring fresh wave of suffering to Brazil's Yanomami

Brazil is losing the upper hand in its battle to save the Yanomami Indigenous people, who are dying from flu, malaria and malnutrition brought into their vast, isolated Amazon rainforest reservation by resurgent illegal miners.

A year after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared a humanitarian crisis among the Yanomami and vowed zero tolerance for illegal mining, environmental enforcers warn that Brazil is jeopardizing last year's hard-won progress, when about 80% of roughly 20,000 wildcatters were ousted from the Portugal-sized reservation.

As the Brazilian military has rolled back its support for the government crackdown, the gold-seeking miners have come back, they say, making fresh incursions into Yanomami land.

According to Brazil's health ministry, 308 Yanomami died of disease, malnutrition and violence last year, with 50% of the deaths being children under four. Deaths from malaria, which is introduced by the miners, doubled in 2023 from 2022.

Continue reading.

#brazil #brazilian politics #politics #environmental justice #indigenous rights #mining #yanomami people #mod nise da silveira #image description in alt

[poorsapadvocate]

I am once again asking for the solarpunk community to pay attention to the Wholesome Direct

Full list of games with links under the cut. For the purposes of this list, I tried to single out games that (at least appear to) focus on nature, technology, and community. That said, I don’t think there was a single loser in the entire direct and I can’t list them all, so go watch it yourself!

Solarpunk: Survival game in a technically advanced world of floating islands. Alone or together with your friends, you can construct buildings, grow food, craft gadgets and hop on your airship to explore distant islands in the sky.

Station to Station: A minimalist & relaxing game about building railway connections. Grab your conductor’s hat and bring the voxel-art world to life through the magic of trains! 

Smushi Come Home: Play as a tiny lil' mushroom who's lost in the forest and can't find its way home. Explore unique areas freely at your own pace, chat with friendly inhabitants, and take on different adventures to get back home! 

Flutter Away: A short nature exploration game set in a cozy nook of the Amazon rainforest. Explore nearby tracks, take photos, meet animal friends and journal your discoveries!

Kamaeru: Foster a sanctuary for frogs and restore the biodiversity of the wetlands in Kamaeru, a cozy farming sim where you raise frogs by playing mini-games and decorating your habitat. Hop right to it! 

Kibu: A tranquil adventure in the heart of the wilderness. As a solitary monk you must build a temple, brew delicious teas, and journey into the wilds seeking out ancient spirits. Carve out your own special corner of home in a beautiful, mysterious land. 

The Guardian of Nature: An exploration adventure and puzzle game. Go with the botanist Henry on a magical journey to save the mother tree. Use your ability to change in size to explore nature from big to small and solve solarpunk puzzles to put nature back in order. 

Townseek: Embark on a journey across the world of Explora and discover the lost legacy of Sir Reginald Sharkingston! Discover exotic landmarks, trade with faraway towns, fish, mine, and farm as you complete your journal and make a name for yourself! 

Diluvian Winds: A management game set in a small hamlet at the foot of a lighthouse. Welcome weary travelers and help each other to try and survive the unpredictable weather. Grow your hamlet on land, under the sea or among the clouds. 

Loftia: A Solarpunk MMO game set on a floating city in the sky! (keep your eyes on this one. no official website yet but it’s set to have a kickstarter and pre-alpha soon)

BONUS: Games that don’t quite fit the solarpunk mood but fit the solarpunk themes

Mineko’s Night Market

Venba

Sopa

The Palace on the Hill

Magical Delicacy

Garden Witch Life

Grimoire Groves

Wylde Flowers

Moonstone Island

Garden Buddies

Orange Season

Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life

Botany Manor

Fields of Mistria

#gaming #games #wholesome games #wholesome direct #solarpunk #including Smushi was probably cheating #but come on it's a little guy and it's their birthday!!! #my personal winners that don't quite qualify for this list were Tiny Bookshop and Cato