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Puffins and Global Warming
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While the polar bear is often called the "canary in the coal mine" of global warming, a great many other species of wildlife are at risk. Puffins, often called the "clowns of the sea", and other seabirds are also in need of our help and protection.
Birds function not only as vital components of global ecosystems, but also as accurate benchmarks for the Earth's overall health. They are particularly sensitive to changes in climate and weather, and are among the first to be affected by the variations to the environment caused by global warming. Among the over 9,000 species of birds, the ones most susceptible to changes wrought by rapid climate change are seabirds, arctic birds, and long-distance migrants.
As ocean temperatures warm, the traditional fishing waters of Atlantic puffins and the two Pacific breeds (Horned Puffin and Tufted Puffin) have been depleted as sandeels and other fish species travel north to colder waters. Many puffin and other seabird colonies and breeding grounds have also been disrupted greatly. For example, during the 2004 season there were huge failures in seabird breeding. For many species, few, if any, chicks fledged. The 2007 season so far has been another disastrous one as thousands of seabirds and their chicks are again starving. While this issue is lesser known in the United States, there are many efforts underway in Great Britain and Scotland to increase public awareness about the loss of these birds.
The images of these comical yet beautiful birds demonstrate what is truly at risk if we don't take steps now, as a global community, to reverse the deteriorating effects of greenhouse gases and pollution on the Arctic, its oceans and, ultimately, our entire planet.
All of the images featured in this exhibit are the work of Howard Ruby, Chairman of Oakwood Worldwide. A passionate photographer, his adventures have taken him on numerous trips to the Arctic to photograph this dramatic area and the unique wildlife that lives there.
To find out more about the photographer and see additional images visit howardruby.com.
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