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Life on Earth

Life on Earth
BorderViews #52: Trump's Border Wall Threatens Arizona Trail

The Trump administration plans to construct a 30-foot steel border wall through the rugged Huachuca Mountains, specifically at the terminus of the 800-mile federally protected Arizona Trail. This barrier threatens to disrupt the natural habitat of migrating jaguars and ocelots.

Such a wall would also permanently alter the experience for thousands of hikers who utilize the Arizona Trail. Matthew Nelson of the Arizona Trail Association has detailed the significant environmental and recreational consequences of this proposed construction.

Saving Life on Earth: Eating to Save the Planet

Agriculture accounts for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with over half originating from meat and dairy production. Our food choices profoundly impact climate, habitat, water use, and wildlife. Adopting more plant-based foods and less meat can significantly reduce diet-related emissions, conserve land and water, and help mitigate the extinction crisis.

This week’s discussion will focus on shifting towards sustainable, Earth-friendly diets. Topics include new research on the climate impact of American diets, strategies for dietary change, how individual choices influence food policy, and why grass-fed beef isn't a complete solution. The event features Jennifer Molidor, Stephanie Feldstein, and a vegan cooking demonstration by J.P. Rose.

Saving Life on Earth: Meat Production and the Extinction Crisis

Meat and dairy production significantly contributes to global wildlife extinctions and the climate crisis. This industry consumes 30% of the Earth’s surface and 80% of U.S. agricultural land, while also being a major source of air and water pollution.

This week's conversation will explore our efforts to protect human health and the environment from this powerful industry. Topics will include COVID-19 in slaughterhouses, policy impacts, dangers to wildlife and workers, dietary choices, and the rise of meatless alternatives. Senior attorney Hannah Connor, population and sustainability director Stephanie Feldstein, and environmental health director Lori Ann Burd will lead the discussion.

Saving Life On Earth Wolves in the West

This discussion explores the history, biology, and recovery of wolves across the American West, including the West Coast and Southwest. Once nearly extinct, wolves have returned to states like California, Oregon, Washington, and the Southwest. However, their future remains uncertain, standing at a critical crossroads.

The presentation features Amaroq Weiss, a senior West Coast wolf advocate, and Michael Robinson, a senior conservation advocate. Attendees will gain valuable insights and be inspired to contribute to conservation efforts.

Javelinas in the Arizona Borderlands: Remote Wildlife Cameras

A remote camera in the Arizona borderlands captured javelinas foraging and snorting.

This footage was provided by Russ McSpadden for the Center for Biological Diversity.

Bat Snack

Observe a red bat as it captures a moth during its nocturnal flight.

These bats are incredibly efficient predators, capable of consuming 500 to 1,000 insects in just one hour.

Dancing Frogs In The Western Ghats

The Western Ghats of India are home to 24 species of "dancing frogs" from the Micrixalidae family. These amphibians earned their name because males perform a unique foot-waving display, known as foot-flagging, to attract females during the breeding season.

This distinctive gesture likely compensates for their quiet croaks. Their calls are often too faint to compete with the surrounding environmental noise, making the visual foot-flagging crucial for successful mating.

BorderViews: Sonoyta Mud Turtle

The endangered Sonoyta mud turtle, an aquatic species, thrives in one of the Sonoran Desert's driest regions. This unique adaptation allows it to survive in extreme conditions.

Its habitat is severely restricted: a single spring on the U.S.-Mexico border within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in southern Arizona, and a small section of Mexico's Rio Sonoyta.

Valentine's Day for Bobcats

This video showcases a unique bobcat "Valentine's Day" negotiation, where communication is key. Two bobcats engage in a date via head-bobbing yowls, rapid tail twitching, and awkward pauses. The gray cat is the female, and the red (rufus) one is the male.

We extend our thanks to Robyn Sloan for sharing this fascinating footage. Explore more of her wildlife videos here.

BorderViews: San Pedro River Wildlife

The proposed border wall poses a significant threat to the San Pedro River, a vital ecosystem.

Its construction risks triggering an extinction crisis, eliminating the diverse life that depends on the river for survival.

BorderViews: A Poem About Border Militarization

Filmed at the new border wall construction within Arizona's Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, this poem addresses the complex struggles unfolding along the border.

It powerfully conveys the challenges faced by migrants seeking refuge, the fragmentation of wildlife populations and ecosystems, and the militarization impacting indigenous communities.

The world is poorly designed. But copying nature helps. Biomimicry design, explained with 99% Inv

The world's design challenges can often be addressed by copying nature, a concept known as biomimicry. Explore this idea further with 99% Invisible, an independent radio show by Roman Mars focusing on design and architecture. It began as a collaborative project between San Francisco's KALW and the American Institute of Architects.

For additional insights, download a biomimicry infographic here.

In this Our Changing Climate environmental video essay, I look at biomimicry. Specifically how bi

This environmental video essay explores biomimicry, examining how nature-inspired design extends beyond architecture and materials to foster better relationships, activism, and communities.

Drawing on adrienne maree brown's emergent strategy, the essay demonstrates how natural principles can guide us through a complex social world.

Support future videos via Patreon, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or email occ.climate@gmail.com. Download a biomimicry infographic here.

Border Patrol Destroying Endangered Species Habitat

Border Patrol is consuming millions of gallons of groundwater for wall construction in southeastern Arizona. This practice imperils rare desert springs and the endangered species that depend on them.

We visited the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge on the border to observe the impact firsthand.

Palmyra Atoll

Palmyra Atoll, a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the most remote locations under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's care. Situated halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa, it offers unparalleled tranquility.

Experience this incredibly peaceful place through new footage, including unique scenes of underwater rain. Take a micro-vacation to discover its serene beauty.

Borderviews: Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

In a BorderViews video, campaigner Laiken Jordahl highlights ongoing border wall construction at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

This development immediately threatens endangered species, Native American sacred sites, and protected wilderness areas.

Endangered Species Mural Project: Seward, Alaska

Watch our new time-lapse video showcasing the latest addition to the #EndangeredSpeciesMural project!

This 105-foot mural, located in Seward, Alaska, features the endangered North Pacific right whale and spectacled eider. We extend our thanks to artists Roger Peet and Tricia Tripp for their work.

Roll up to the club like what up, millipede stampede

Despite their name meaning "thousand feet," millipedes actually have varying leg counts, from under a hundred to several hundred, depending on their body segments. They are born with just three pairs of legs, growing more throughout their lives.

Fossil evidence suggests millipedes were among the first air-breathing animals to transition from ocean to land. Male millipedes possess specialized "gonopods"—modified legs used for sperm transfer.

Delightfully tiny Florida key deer could lose their federal protection

Florida Key deer, tiny creatures about the size of a medium dog, face a critical threat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to remove their Endangered Species Act protection.

The Center is committed to fighting this decision. You can learn more and see these deer in our new video on Facebook or YouTube.

What do Kangaroos do when it snows?

Rare winter snowfall recently hit parts of Australia, causing flight cancellations and power outages for approximately 10,000 homes.

Despite the disruption, the country's kangaroos seemed delighted. A joyous herd was observed bouncing through the unexpected winter wonderland.

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— Dr. Elena Rivera
Environmental Scientist and Advocate
 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection

“The Thinking Game” is the inside story of DeepMind's groundbreaking AI research, culminating in the Nobel Prize-winning AlphaFold breakthrough. Filmed over five years by the award-winning team behind "AlphaGo," this documentary explores co-founder Demis Hassabis's lifelong pursuit of artificial general intelligence and the rigorous scientific journey from mastering strategy games to solving the 50-year-old protein folding problem.

Following its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival, "The Thinking Game" is now available to watch for free. For those interested in hosting a screening for a classroom, community, or workplace, visit: rocofilms.com/films/the-thinking-game/.

 

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The Thinking Game | Full documentary | Tribeca Film Festival official selection