The Dolphins' Cry

This past weekend, the last of twelve stranded dolphins died in an inlet in East Hampton, Long Island. Researchers had worked feverishly to save the animals – there were eight others who were able to be rescued – but the brutal winter weather was too harsh for the mammals to survive.

This may be viewed by some as an unfortunate freak occurrence. I, however, see it as the earth screaming for help. We are destroying our environment. This is no secret. Humans have known for decades that we must be proactive in the quest to save the planet for future generations. If this in not a blatant example of that plea, I don’t know what is.

In the past few weeks there have been reports of stranded dolphins as far north as Boston, which is unheard of for this time of year. By now, they should have moved out to deeper waters. Until necropsy results are finalized, the cause of their deaths will remain a mystery. Researchers are even unclear as to why they remained this close – as close as five yards – to shore but one theory is the uncharacteristically warm water temperatures.

But why is the water so warm? I live here so I’ll tell you. A week ago it was 70 degrees out. It did not officially become “winter” until Wednesday, January 17th when the temperatures dropped dramatically into the twenties. At the same time, there were reports of snow in Malibu.

What have we done here? Why the bizarre weather patterns? A phenomenon called “climate change” is affecting our environment before our eyes. Climate change is caused by the emission of heat-trapping gases (from vehicles, factories and deforestation), which envelop the earth thereby raising global temperatures and causing changes in precipitation. We have done this to ourselves.

However, all is not lost. Yes, big changes need to be made in order to preserve our world for our children and for the other inhabitants who are here with us. But by each of us taking small steps, we can make a huge impact. It is called the butterfly effect.

What you can do:

1. Recycle – no brainer. If you aren’t doing this already, START.

2. Carpool, walk, use your bike or public transportation – in other words, use your car as little as possible

3. Reduce the amount of heat/air conditioning you use by turning them down when you are sleeping or out of the house.

4. Unplug appliances when you aren’t using them. They still use current when they are plugged in even if they are OFF.

5. Plant a tree!

Remember that small changes add up to a big difference when multiplied. Teach your kids, educate others, be aware. But do SOMETHING!