Climate Emergency Forum discusses the importance of preserving and restoring kelp forests, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs, which play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting marine life.
This video was recorded on May 1st, 2024, and published on June 14th, 2024 and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.
These habitats are under severe threat from human activities and climate change with significant percentages of kelp forests and mangroves being destroyed in recent decades. The speakers stress that nature has the resilience to restore itself if given the chance, but human intervention must focus on stopping the ongoing destruction.
The emotional and psychological impact of witnessing environmental degradation is noted with an observation that many divers and environmentalists find it increasingly difficult to bear witness to the devastation of marine ecosystems. The dialogue underscores the importance of maintaining hope and finding community support to continue the essential work of environmental conservation.
The broader systemic issues contributing to environmental decline, such as the overpowering influence of corporations and the lack of effective governmental regulation are noted. Concern over the unsustainable practices of large-scale fisheries and the significant bycatch problem, where non-target marine life is discarded, often dead is mentioned. There is a call for a shift towards more sustainable practices and greater awareness of the interconnectedness of all life forms and the environment.
The need for policy changes and stronger enforcement of international agreements aimed at protecting the environment is noted.
Dr. Peter Carter - MD, Expert IPCC Reviewer and the director of the Climate Emergency Institute
Paul Beckwith - Climate Systems Scientist. Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Paleoclimatology Laboratory as well as at Carleton University
Regina Valdez - Program Director, Climate Reality Project, NYC. GreenFaith Fellow and LEED Green Associate
Charles Gregoire - Electrical Engineer, Webmaster and IT prime for FacingFuture.Earth & the Climate Emergency Forum; Climate Reality Leader
Heidi Brault - Climate Reality Leader, BA(Psychology), Library & Information Technician Diploma - Video production and website assistant - Organizer and convener, Metadata technician, COP Team Lead for FacingFuture.Earth and the Climate Emergency Forum.
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