Reef health in Australia

Official Australian government reports say that the overall health of the Great Barrier Reef is poor and deteriorating. The World Heritage Site has lost more than half of its coral cover in the past 30 years, and populations of animals such as dolphins, dugongs and sharks are in decline. In addition to being one of the planet’s richest marine habitats, the reef generates nearly US$5.8 billion each year and provides about 69,000 jobs.

Megaport expansions proposed along the coast have brought new threats to the reef from dredging, dumping, and increased shipping. Plans to ban the dumping of dredge spoil in the reef’s World Heritage waters have been progressing at the federal and state level, but have not yet come into force. Last year the World Heritage Committee expressed concerns over industrialization in the area and said that unless significant improvements are made, the reef could be in inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Over 350,000 people from around the world have joined WWF’s campaign calling for world leaders to defend the reef from industrial destruction. They have debated the status of the Great Barrier Reef and other extraordinary natural places.

I think this decision will keep the pressure on the Australian government to turn its promises into real action and results. They have made the right decision. The future World Heritage status of the reef should rightly be determined based on the actual condition of its precious corals and marine life. I wish Australia can strengthen protection of the Great Barrier Reef to protect our marine life.

Reflection based on http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?247491/UNESCO-puts-Australia-on-probation-over-reef-health

Use your own #EndangeredEmoji helps social campaign

WWF has launched its first ever emoji-based fundraising campaign to help support the organisation’s work to protect precious species and their habitats.  The launch of the campaign, which has been run on Twitter, come just ahead of Endangered Species Day on Friday 15 May.
Adrian Cockle, Digital Innovation Manager at WWF International said: “When it comes to fundraising, giving people a simple way to donate is key. By using one of the world’s biggest social platforms to highlight endangered species, we’re hoping to raise vital funds for their conservation as well as raising awareness globally.”

The idea for the #EndangeredEmoji campaign was sparked by the discovery that 17 characters in the emoji alphabet represent endangered species. WWF is seeking to translate the popularity of these characters into donations. Emoji have been used over 202 million times on Twitter since they were integrated into the platform in April 2014. The number is increasing daily.

Spider monkey Giant panda Asian elephant Galapagos penguin Antiguan Racer snake Bactrian camel Tiger Sumatran tiger Green turtle

Amur leopard Siamese crocodile Bluefin tuna Blue whale Western gray whale African wild dog Lemur leaf frog Maui’s dolphin

In my opinion, this emoji alphabet is the best idea ever. The standardized set of digital pictograph characters will be used in communication globally, contain the following characters which represent endangered species. Young people will not be in difficulty if they want to send emoji to show when they are travelling to somewhere where endangered animal live. Emoji is the first global language and with this people all over the world can get involved in protecting our earth and the animals we share it with.


Reflection based on http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?246650/WWF-turns-tweets-to-donations--with-EndangeredEmoji-social-campaign

Save Arctic's Life

Since introducing the program, collaborative polar bear patrol, in 2010, WWF and the Hamlet of Arviat, Nunavut, have dramatically reduced the number of polar bears killed under Defence of Life and Property (DLP) regulations. WWF provides funding to help communities reduce instances of conflict between polar bears and communities, including hiring guards to patrol communities and scare away bears.

On February 27th 2016, before International Polar Bear Day, WWF released a video that documents the increasing challenges that communities face from polar bears, and the successful methods that keep both bears and people safer to celebrate this day. This program, daily patrols in peak bear season (September – December), particularly at night, significantly reduce conflicts. Patrol teams have a range of tools including cracker shells, rubber bullets, beanbags, flares and live rounds.

I think this program successes reducing the number of conflicts between people and polar bears successfully. Even though throughout their range, there are increasing encounters between polar bears and people and this brings major risks to human life and property, but thing things have dramatically reduced the number of polar bears killed. This action brings benefit yet risks the patrol teams' life.

Reflection based on http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?262250/Polar-bear-patrols-keep-bears-and-Arctic-communities-safe#

Man Versus Society

                 Conflict is present everywhere in the world around us. We experience conflict on a daily basis, and it can be minor (a disagreement with a friend about where to have lunch) or major (countries at war). However, I want to share a conflict that we maybe have experienced once in our lives. This conflict is about man versus society. Have you ever struggled with fitting in at school? You may be shy or going to a new school. There are different ways to meet people and find your place at your school. 

Communicating with others is important. Prepare yourself by thinking of some conversation starters. Some easy ways to start a conversation are to introduce yourself, give a compliment, or ask a question. Sometimes you have to be a little assertive to get the process started. Just simply introduce yourself to the people that you sit next to; or be the type of person that loves to smile and wouldn't mind going up to yourself so other people may want to talk because you look approachable. On the other hand, you have to be yourself. While these negative thoughts are normal, you can replace them with more positive things. It is important that you explore and find what interests you and what you are good at then you can join a school organization or club. It is easier to bond with someone when you all have similar interests. After that you can develop your own group. It may take some time to identify the different cliques and which students seem to be friendly; but it is okay, just figure out what and who you are most comfortable with.

As teenagers, we didn’t have the skills to reach out to classmates who seemed different from us, not to mention the fact that most of us were afraid to risk sacrificing whatever social status we had by befriending a kid who was “popular.” Some — those who are simply shy, like us — come back to life when we get home, becoming animated, feisty and fully engaged with family members. Remember that you can always get friends, at least one best friend in your life. If one method does not work, you can always try something different. Be confident and patient; fitting in takes time.In addition, I suggest while the other person is talking, try not to fidget, look around, laugh, or do anything that shows you are not paying attention.

Reflection based on http://www.wikihow.com/Fit-In- at-School