George
Pór:
"Yet
in other words, when you make yourself unconditionally available, moment-to-moment,
to the evolutionary impulse flowing through/in/as you, you open yourself
to the limitless blessings from the Force, the most powerful in our
universe, Evolution itself." Florence
Williams:
"I think the natural world inspires
me to be a better person and to care about the communities I live in,
and that in turn drives my journalism."
Paul
Saffo: "Responding
to climate change will become the obsession of the next decade in much
the same way terrorism was this decade's obsession."
Lead Article:
What
smart bees can teach humans about collective intelligence
by Wataru Toyokawa,
JSPS Research Fellow, School of Biology, University of St Andrews
When it comes to making decisions,
most of us are influenced to some degree by other people, whether
that`s choosing a restaurant or a political candidate. We want to
know what others think before we make that choice.
Humans are social animals. So social
that we can rarely be independent of others because of our propensity
for copying behaviour and communication - also known as social
learning.
Humans copy each other every day.
You might buy the latest trainers because they`re really popular,
even though you have no idea how good quality they are. And then you
might share that information, perhaps posting a review on social media.
This can induce "smarter" purchasing decisions because usually,
if a product is popular, it seems less likely it would be of be poor
quality. So sometimes social learning can improve our decision making.
Learning together
Our social learning ability has led
to extraordinary technological success.
Advances in modern science and technology, from the smart phone to
the Higgs
Boson particle, have been made possible not only by genius
innovation, but by humans` ability
to learn from others. So social learning is seen as a source
of collective
intelligence - smart decision making among groups of individuals
that improves on the ability of one single person. This can be useful
in areas such as management, product development and predicting elections.
However, the opposite can also be
true. Crowds can also suffer from collective "madness",
when ineffective or harmful knowledge goes viral due to copying -
a phenomenon called maladaptive
herding - which can trigger things like instability in
stock markets.
Why do groups of humans sometimes
exhibit collective wisdom and at other times madness? Can we reduce
the risk of maladaptive herding and at the same time increase the
possibility of collective wisdom?
Understanding this apparent conflict
has been a longstanding
problem in social science. The key to this puzzle could
be the way that individuals use information from others versus information
gained from their own trial-and-error problem solving. If people simply
copy others without reference to their own experience, any idea -
even a bad one - can spread. So how can social learning improve our
decision making? Striking the right balance between copying others
and relying on personal experience is key. Yet we still need to know
exactly what the right balance is.
Smart flexible bees
Humans are not the only animals to
display collective intelligence. Bees are also well known for their
ability to make accurate
collective decisions when they search for foods or new
nests. What`s more, bees can avoid maladaptive herding. Bees prevent
bad information from becoming viral, although they copy each other
through communication and social learning. But how do they do it?
In the early 20th century, Austrian
behavioural biologist Karl
von Frisch found that worker honey bees use a kind of "waggle
dance" for communicating with each other. In short, these waggle
dances are bee versions of online shopping rating systems. Instead
of stars or good reviews, bee ratings are based on the duration of
the dance. When a bee finds a good source of food, it dances for a
long time. When it finds a poor one, the duration of the dance is
short or non-existent. The longer the dance, the more bees follow
its suggestion to feed there.
Researchers have demonstrated
that bee colonies will switch their efforts to a more abundant site,
even after foraging is already well underway elsewhere, thus preventing
maladaptive herding. Collective flexibility is key.
Not so flexible humans
The question is, why can`t human
crowds be flexible like bees, especially when both have a similar
social information sharing system? To examine this, we developed a
mathematical model that was inspired by collective honey
bee foraging behaviour.
Two key factors were identified for
study: conformity - that is, the extent to which an individual follows
the majority opinion; and copying tendency - the extent to which an
individual ignores their own personal knowledge and relies solely
on following others.
We launched a simple online game
as a psychology experiment. Participants had to repeatedly choose
one of three slot machines. One slot could drop more money than the
others, but players didn`t know which one at the outset.
The mission was to identify the best
slot and win as much money as possible. Because many people participated
in the same experiment, players could see what other participants
were doing in real time. Then they could copy or ignore the choices
of the others.
The results revealed that a challenging
task elicited greater conformity and the copying increased with group
size. This suggests that unlike bees, when large groups are confronted
with tough challenges, collective decision-making becomes inflexible,
and maladaptive herding behaviour is prominent. The popular slot got
more popular because people followed the majority choice, even if
it was not actually the winning one.
Author
provided
The study also showed that humans
in groups can be flexible, like bees, when either conformity or copying
was low. Players were able to switch to a new and better option when
the group size was small or a less challenging version of the task
was undertaken. Thanks to the low conformity, there were people willing
to explore less popular options, who could eventually find the best
one as opposed to the one most chosen.
Our results suggest that we should
be more aware of the risk of maladaptive herding when these conditions
- large group size and a difficult problem - prevail. We should take
account of not just the most popular opinion, but also other minority
opinions. In thinking this way, the crowd can avoid maladaptive herding
behaviour. This research could inform how collective intelligence
is applied to real-world situations, including online shopping and
prediction
markets.
Stimulating independent thought in
individuals may reduce the risk of collective madness. Dividing a
group into sub-groups or breaking down a task into small easy steps
promotes flexible, yet smart, human "swarm" intelligence.
There is much we can learn from the humble bee.
This article
is republished from The
Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
All
Intelligence Is Collective Intelligence
by How
About
Imagine a superhero team, but instead of
capes, they wear thinking caps. That's collective intelligence for you!
You know those "Ask the Audience" lifelines in game shows?
That's a tiny taste of how collective intelligence works – everyone
brings their unique perspectives to the table, and it's like a mental
potluck. So, whether it's solving complex problems, making predictions,
or even creating something entirely new, collective intelligence is
the secret sauce. It's like the ultimate brainstorming session where
the power of many trumps the power of one.
"George and Reto
discuss the concept of wisdom, with George emphasizing its relational
and contextual nature. George also highlighted that wisdom aims for
positive growth and development, rather than just maintaining the
status quo. Reto then raised a question about George's use of vocabulary
inspired by Indian mythology and philosophy, and George explained
that he sees contemporary philosophy as building on historical and
modern thought, with a new tendency called Metamodernism embracing
these different perspectives." - AI summary by Zoom
George Pór
Researcher in wisdom-guided Collaborative
Hybrid Intelligence of human & AI agents.
Trusted advisor to visionary leaders. Social and movement architect.
United Kingdom
Our
oceans have learnt how to EAT PLASTIC!
by
Just Have a Think
Plastic pollution is a huge
problem on every continent, and increasingly in our oceans. Land based
microbes have been discovered that have learnt how to digest certain
plastics, but new research has now discovered that nature is at it in
our oceans as well! So has evolution gifted us a solution to the Great
Pacific Garbage patch?
Researchers from EPFL have developed a
next-generation miniaturized brain-machine interface capable of direct
brain-to-text communication on tiny silicon chips.
Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) have emerged as a promising solution
for restoring communication and control to individuals with severe motor
impairments. Traditionally, these systems have been bulky, power-intensive,
and limited in their practical applications. Researchers at EPFL have
developed the first high-performance, Miniaturized Brain-Machine Interface
(MiBMI), offering an extremely small, low-power, highly accurate, and
versatile solution. Published in the latest issue of the
IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits and presented at the
International Solid-State Circuits Conference, the MiBMI not only enhances
the efficiency and scalability of brain-machine interfaces but also
paves the way for practical, fully implantable devices. This technology
holds the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for
patients with conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
and spinal cord injuries.
This advancement brings
us closer to practical, implantable solutions. - Mahsa Shoaran
The MiBMI's small size and low power are
key features, making the system suitable for implantable applications.
Its minimal invasiveness ensures safety and practicality for use in
clinical and real-life settings. It is also a fully integrated system,
meaning that the recording and processing are done on two extremely
small chips with a total area of 8mm2. Thisis the latest in a new class
of low-power BMI devices developed at Mahsa Shoaran’s Integrated
Neurotechnologies Laboratory (INL)
at EPFL’s IEM and Neuro X institutes.
Our latest innovation at
Baracoda is BMind, the first AI-powered smart mirror for
mental wellness. It provides personalized recommendations and experiences
based on a user’s mental state, as part of a seamless, touchless
experience with gesture recognition, voice command, and intent detection.
By leveraging a built-in camera (whether it's on a mirror, screen, mobile
phone, or tablet), computer vision algorithms can detect the user's
hand, while an AI model recognizes the specific gesture. Each of those
are then mapped to corresponding commands or actions. For example, a
wave of the hand might trigger a "next" or "previous"
command, while a thumbs-up gesture could initiate a "start"
command.
“Technology that can monitor for subtle changes in health has
the potential of improving the quality of millions of lives. Our mental
state exerts a strong effect on our sense of physical well-being. Including
mood in our daily wellness check-ins creates a fuller picture that represents
a powerful step toward redefining preventative health.” - Thomas
Serval, CEO of Baracoda
Managing stress, soothing anxiety, and reducing insomnia all require
an ally that helps people maintain a positive mindset and encourages
a proactive approach to wellness. Unlike phone-based apps, BMind seamlessly
fits into everyone’s bathroom, allowing users to evaluate their
mental states and select recommended exercises and activities to elevate
their moods. BMind gathers information without any invasive technology,
and helps users incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily routines
or even curb feelings of loneliness through an immersive experience
using light, sound, and visuals.
BMind is powered by Generative
AI for conversation and coaching experiences as well as Natural Language
Processing (NLP) for sentiment analysis. It identifies different sentiments
and adapts to the user’s mood by providing light therapy sessions,
and personalized, auto-generated mindfulness exercises such as guided
meditation and self-affirmations. Through CareOS interface, BMind harnesses
cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and utilizes Computer Vision
and Large Language Models to interpret expressions, gestures, and language.
The
Impact of Generative AI on Decision-Making,
Cost Reduction, and Quality Improvement
by Igor van Gemert,
Expert on Generative AI and CyberResilience
Generative AI Decision Making is here
!
Copyright 2024 CyberResilience
Introduction
Generative AI is revolutionizing the way
organizations approach decision-making, cost management, and quality
control. By leveraging advanced machine learning models, businesses
can automate complex processes, generate insightful analytics, and enhance
overall operational efficiency. This white paper explores the transformative
potential of generative AI and highlights platforms that are leading
this technological evolution.
The Transformative Potential of Generative AI
Enhanced Decision-Making
Generative AI models, enable organizations
to process vast amounts of data and generate predictive analytics, facilitating
more informed and timely decision-making. These models can identify
patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent to human analysts,
thus providing a deeper understanding of market dynamics, customer behavior,
and operational inefficiencies.
Cost Reduction
Generative AI can significantly reduce
costs by automating routine tasks and streamlining workflows. For instance:
Customer Service: AI chatbots can
handle a large volume of customer inquiries, reducing the need for extensive
human support staff. Content Creation: Automated content generation tools can produce
high-quality marketing materials, reports, and documentation at a fraction
of the cost and time required by human writers. Data Processing: AI models can quickly analyze and interpret
complex datasets, minimizing the time and resources needed for manual
data handling.
Quality Improvement
The implementation of generative AI can
enhance the quality of products and services by ensuring consistency,
accuracy, and personalization. Examples include:
Product Design: AI-driven design
tools can generate innovative solutions and optimize product features
based on user feedback and market trends. Healthcare: AI can assist in diagnosing diseases, recommending
treatments, and monitoring patient progress, leading to improved healthcare
outcomes. Legal Services: AI platforms can analyze legal documents, identify
key issues, and provide accurate legal advice, enhancing the quality
of legal services.
Leading Platforms Utilizing Generative
AI
The Last Consultant
The
Last Consultant leverages generative AI to provide strategic
business consulting services. The platform uses AI-driven analytics
to offer insights and recommendations, helping organizations optimize
their operations, reduce costs, and improve decision-making processes.
Legal Helpers
Legal
Helpers utilizes AI technology to streamline legal services.
The platform offers automated document analysis, contract review, and
legal research, which not only reduces costs but also ensures high-quality
legal advice and support.
Cyber Resilience Pro
Cyber
Resilience Pro employs generative AI to enhance cybersecurity
measures. The platform provides advanced threat detection, risk assessment,
and incident response services, helping organizations safeguard their
digital assets and maintain operational integrity.
Conclusion
Generative AI is a game-changer for modern
businesses, offering significant benefits in terms of decision-making,
cost reduction, and quality improvement. By adopting AI-driven solutions,
organizations can stay competitive, innovate continuously, and deliver
superior value to their stakeholders. The platforms highlighted in this
paper exemplify the practical applications of generative AI in various
industries, showcasing its potential to transform traditional business
models and drive future growth.
About Igor van Gemert
Igor van Gemert is a renowned figure whose
expertise in generative artificial intelligence (AI) is matched by his
extensive 15-year background in cybersecurity, serving as a Chief Information
Security Officer (CISO) and trusted adviser to boardrooms. His unique
combination of skills has positioned him as a pivotal player in the
intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation projects
across critical sectors including defense, healthcare, and government.
Van Gemert's deep knowledge of AI and its
applications is informed by his practical experience in safeguarding
digital infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. This dual focus
has enabled him to contribute significantly to the development of secure,
AI-driven technologies and strategies that address the complex challenges
faced by these high-stakes fields. As an adviser, he brings a strategic
vision that encompasses not only the technical aspects of digital transformation
but also the crucial cybersecurity considerations that ensure these
innovations are reliable and protected against cyber threats.
His work in defense, healthcare, and government
projects demonstrates a commitment to leveraging AI and cybersecurity
to enhance national security, patient care, and public sector efficiency.
Van Gemert's contributions extend beyond individual projects to influence
broader discussions on policy, ethics, and the future direction of technology
in society. By bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI research and
cybersecurity best practices, Igor van Gemert plays an instrumental
role in shaping the digital landscapes of critical sectors, ensuring
they are both innovative and secure.
An intrepid investigation
into nature’s restorative benefits.
For centuries, poets and philosophers extolled
the benefits of a walk in the woods: Beethoven drew inspiration from
rocks and trees; Wordsworth composed while tromping over the heath;
Nikola Tesla conceived the electric motor while visiting a park. Intrigued
by our storied renewal in the natural world, Florence Williams sets
out to uncover the science behind nature’s positive effects on
the brain.
From forest trails in Korea, to islands
in Finland, to groves of eucalyptus in California, Williams investigates
the science at the confluence of environment, mood, health, and creativity.
Delving into completely new research, she uncovers the powers of the
natural world to improve health, promote reflection and innovation,
and ultimately strengthen our relationships. As our modern lives shift
dramatically indoors, these ideas - and the answers they yield - are
more urgent than ever.
Florence Williams is a journalist, author,
speaker, and podcaster. She is a contributing editor at Outside Magazine
and a freelance writer for the New York Times, New York Times
Magazine, National Geographic, The New York Review of
Books and numerous other publications.
A former Scripps Fellow at the Center of Environmental Journalism at
the University of Colorado, she has received many awards, including
a 2023 PEN America book award, two National Magazine Award nominations,
six magazine awards from the American Society of Journalists and Authors,
and the John Hersey Prize at Yale. Her work has been anthologized in
numerous books, including Outside 25, the New Montana Story,
How the West Was Warmed and Best American Science and Nature
Writing 2008. Florence serves on the board of two of her favorite
non-profits, the Trust for Public Land and the Ted Scripps Fellowship
in Environmental Journalism. She lives in Colorado.
Laughing About
Climate Change with Comedian Stuart Goldsmith by Trellis
Group
What can be gained from joking
about the climate crisis, and what can we learn from a comic about communicating
a tough message to your audience? Watch Comedian Stuart Goldsmith at
GreenBiz 24.
Stuart Goldsmith is an internationally
award-winning comedian and business speaker, specialising in personal
resilience and climate comedy.His new climate crisis stand-up show "Spoilers"
was one of the highest-rated comedy shows at the Edinburgh Fringe 2023?;
a frank and funny look at how we can all do more to alleviate our own
dread, and combat inertia. He offers tailored climate comedy for events,
strategy days and conferences, to recharge internal comms and refresh
burnt out sustainability people.He is also the host of the 25M+ download
"Comedian's Comedian Podcast", and a bloody good laugh.
Stuart Goldsmith
Stuart Goldsmith is an English actor,
stand-up comedian and former street performer. He has presented the
Comedian's Comedian podcast since 2012.
Climate change has been
a significant driver of evolution throughout Earth's history. As the
climate changes, species are forced to adapt, migrate, or face extinction.
Here’s how climate change has influenced animal evolution:
1. Physical Adaptations
- Size and Shape: Some animals evolve in size to better regulate
their body temperatures. For example, Bergmann's rule suggests that
animals in colder climates tend to be larger to conserve heat, while
those in warmer climates are smaller to dissipate heat more efficiently.
As the planet warms, some species may evolve to be smaller.
- Coloration: Animals may change their coloration to adapt
to new environments. For example, species living in regions with melting
snow may evolve darker colors to blend into the less snowy landscapes.
2.
Behavioral Changes
- Migration Patterns: Many animals are altering their migration
patterns in response to changing temperatures. Birds, for example,
are shifting their migration timing or routes to match the availability
of food sources that are also affected by climate changes.
- Breeding Seasons: Changes in temperature and weather patterns
can alter breeding seasons. Species that breed based on temperature
or the availability of food may shift their breeding times to earlier
or later in the year.
3.
Dietary Shifts
- Diet Evolution: Some animals may evolve to consume different
types of food as their traditional food sources become scarce due
to climate change. This can lead to the evolution of new feeding strategies
or even new species over long periods.
- Trophic Cascades: Changes in one species due to climate can
impact entire ecosystems. For example, if a top predator evolves to
hunt a new prey species, it can cause a ripple effect through the
food chain.
4.
Geographical Range Shifts
- Habitat Expansion or Contraction: Species are moving to new
areas where the climate is more suitable. For example, many marine
species are shifting toward the poles as ocean temperatures rise.
This shift can lead to evolutionary changes as species adapt to new
environmental conditions.
- Isolation and Speciation: As species move to new habitats,
they may become isolated from other populations. This isolation can
lead to speciation, where new species evolve due to the lack of gene
flow between the separated populations.
5.
Physiological Adaptations
- Metabolic Changes: Some animals might evolve to better cope
with extreme temperatures. For instance, certain species of fish and
amphibians are developing higher tolerance to warmer waters, adjusting
their metabolic rates to survive.
- Heat Tolerance: Species living in warmer climates may evolve
to better tolerate higher temperatures, which can involve changes
at the molecular level, such as proteins that remain stable at higher
temperatures.
6.
Extinction and the Rise of New Species
- Extinction: Species that cannot adapt quickly enough to changing
conditions may face extinction. This is particularly true for species
with specialized niches or those that cannot migrate to more suitable
habitats.
- Opportunities for New Species: As some species go extinct,
new ecological niches open up, allowing for the evolution and emergence
of new species better adapted to the changed environment.
7.
Hybridization
- Increased Hybridization: Climate change can bring species
that were previously geographically separated into contact, leading
to increased hybridization. This can result in new hybrid species,
which may have traits that allow them to survive in the altered environment.
8.
Acclimatization vs. Adaptation
- Acclimatization: Some species may not evolve new traits but
may instead acclimatize to new conditions. This involves short-term
changes that occur within an individual's lifetime, as opposed to
evolutionary changes that occur over generations.
- Epigenetic Changes: Some species may exhibit changes in gene
expression in response to environmental changes, which can be passed
down to offspring without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
Examples:
- Polar Bears: As Arctic ice melts, polar bears are adapting
their hunting strategies, shifting to prey on land-based animals or
scavenging more frequently.
- Coral Reefs: Some coral species are evolving to be more heat-tolerant,
but others are facing widespread bleaching and mortality.
- Birds: Many bird species are laying eggs earlier in the year
in response to earlier springs caused by global warming.
Climate change is a powerful force that drives evolutionary
changes in the animal kingdom, reshaping ecosystems and altering the
trajectory of life on Earth. These evolutionary responses can be gradual,
but the current pace of climate change may accelerate the rate at
which species must adapt.
Eating
in the Anthropocene: Diets, Food Systems, and Climate Change
by Johns Hopkins University
"You are what you eat”
is a phrase familiar to many but what do you really know about food
systems and diets? This course examines the complex interactions between
food systems, diets, and the environment, as well as the political,
social, and ethical issues to achieve both human and planetary health.
Jessica Fanzo – the Bloomberg Distinguished Associate Professor
of Global Food and Agriculture Policy and Ethics at the Berman Institute
of Bioethics, the Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the Nitze
School of Advanced International Studies – explores the relationship
between diets, food systems, and climate change.
How
is climate change impacting bird migration?
by CBC News
Bird migration
is changing as average temperatures rise. In Canada, almost three-quarters
of our birds are migratory. So what does that mean for our bird species?
Animal hybrids are becoming more common because of climate change
by KXAN
The Pizzly Bear, a hybrid created by polar bears and grizzly bears
mating, was created as a result of climate change. Professor Larisa
DeSantis with Vanderbilt University says it may be our best hope for
an arctic bear.
Philip
Munday - Transgenerational acclimation to climate change; what is
it and why is it important?
by ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
Philip has broad interests in the biology and ecology of marine fishes.
His current research program focuses on understanding and predicting
the impacts of climate change on populations and communities of coral
reef fishes, both directly through changes in the physical environment
and indirectly through effects on coral reef habitat. Using a range
of laboratory and field experiments he is investigating the effects
of increased temperature and ocean acidification on reef fish populations
and testing their capacity for acclimation and adaptation to a rapidly
changing environment. He has published over 150 scientific papers,
including major reviews and research papers on the impacts of climate
change.
How
Animals Are Rapidly Evolving Because of Climate Change
by WIRED
Squids are shrinking, birds are migrating and lizards are getting
blown away by hurricanes. The signs are everywhere; animals are changing
because of climate change. We asked biologist Thor Hanson to walk
us through three animal adaptation experiments.
Shape shifting animals
as a result of climate change
by CBC Vancouver
Johanna Wagstaffe explains how warming causes longer beaks and larger
ears.
Is Climate Change Making
Iguanas Shrink? | Evolution Earth
by PBS
On the Galápagos Islands, Greg Lewbart and his team are trying
to catch a marine iguana. Their goal is to study the iguana’s
unusual adaptation. They have evolved the ability to shrink and regrow
their vertebrae in response to changes in food availability. These
conditions arises when the Pacific Ocean that is home to the algae
they feed on warms, a result of the weather system known as El Niño.
Survival of the Quickest: How Climate Change Has Shaped Evolution
by SITN Boston
Introduction
Evolution acts most strongly during
times of change - favouring those species that are best equipped to
handle new challenges. In the distant past, climate change has acted
as a strong driver of evolutionary change - shaping species and whole
ecosystems as they adapt to their new environments. Given that we
are in the midst of our own period of intense climate change - one
of our own making - we’ll consider how evolution and natural
selection may respond to redefine the plants and animals around us.
Speakers
Daniel Richard is originally from
Toronto, Canada, and completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology
from the University of Waterloo. He is in his sixth year of a PhD
in Human Evolutionary Biology in the lab of Terence Capellini. He
studies the genetics underlying human traits such as osteoarthritis
risk and height, and is interested in how natural selection has acted
to shape the human body. When not in the lab or at the keyboard, he
enjoys running, swimming, and biking the Minuteman trail.
Glossary of Important
Terms
Species: A group of organisms that share
common characteristics and can interbreed (to make fertile offspring)
Variation: slight differences in a given trait within a population
- e.g. human height, eye colour
Heritable: the particular value of a
given trait (e.g. height) is genetically inherited in the offspring
(e.g. tall parents tend to have taller children)
Competition: there is not enough food
for all members of a population to survive, meaning some animals can
live and reproduce and others cannot
Adaptation: A feature of an organism
that promotes survival and reproduction
Extinction: When all the members of a species die out, or can no longer
reproduce (e.g. the recent Northern White Rhino)
Anthropocene: Unit of geological time used to describe the
most recent period of Earth’s history, when human activity started
to have a significant impact on global climate and ecosystem
Sir David Attenborough
says Let Nature Help Fight Climate Change
by The Wildlife Trusts
"It’s not too late to win the fight against the climate
and nature crises. Given the chance, nature can recover in the most
remarkable ways." Sir David Attenborough joins us in highlighting
the role of nature in tackling climate change.
A New Species of Orca
is Changing Marine Biology
by KPassionate
A marine biologist reacts to a new species
of orca and the 49 unstoppable killer whales who are reshaping marine
biology.
Orcas are found in every ocean of the world. Currently classified
as the same species, Orcinus orca, they are all distinct variations
known as ecotypes. In the Pacific Northwest we have the resident,
offshore, and Bigg's killer whales. Now, researchers have confirmed
that resident and Bigg's killer whales are entirely different species.
Genetic analysis found these orcas likely diverged between 200,000
and 300,000 years ago.
“Knowing resident and
Bigg's killer whales are unique species is incredibly important from
a conservation standpoint. It’s challenging to create effective
conservation policies for a globally distributed species like orca
because animals in different regions of the world are all facing different
threats.”
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
For the Southern Resident
orca, the greatest threat is a lack of food. Research shows that the
survival and reproductive success of these orcas is correlated with
Chinook salmon abundance. Increasing salmon abundance is an integral
component of the species recovery plan.
Animals play a crucial role
in helping to fight climate change through various natural processes
and behaviors that contribute to carbon sequestration, ecosystem balance,
and biodiversity conservation. Here are some examples of how animals
help in the fight against climate change:
1. Carbon Sequestration
- Whales: Whales play a significant role in the ocean's carbon
cycle. Their bodies store large amounts of carbon, and when they die,
their carcasses sink to the ocean floor, trapping carbon for centuries.
Additionally, their fecal matter stimulates the growth of phytoplankton,
which absorbs carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
- Forests and Herbivores: Large herbivores like elephants and
bison help maintain grasslands and forests by preventing the overgrowth
of trees and shrubs. This supports a healthy ecosystem that can absorb
more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Beavers: By building dams, beavers create wetlands that can
store large amounts of carbon in the soil and vegetation.
2.
Maintaining Ecosystem Balance
- Predators: Predators like wolves and big cats help regulate
prey populations, preventing overgrazing and promoting plant growth,
which contributes to carbon sequestration.
- Keystone Species: Species like sea otters maintain the balance
of marine ecosystems by controlling populations of sea urchins, which
would otherwise destroy kelp forests that sequester carbon.
3.
Pollination and Biodiversity
- Insects: Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and bats are
vital for the reproduction of many plants, including crops and wild
plants that sequester carbon and provide habitat for other species.
- Seed Dispersers: Animals like birds and mammals help disperse
seeds, ensuring the growth of new trees and plants, which are essential
for absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
4.
Soil Health and Fertility
- Earthworms and Microorganisms: Earthworms and soil-dwelling
organisms help improve soil structure, which enhances its ability to
store carbon. Healthy soils are better at sequestering carbon and supporting
plant growth.
- Cattle and Grazing Animals: Properly managed grazing animals
can improve soil health through natural fertilization, which enhances
the soil's carbon storage capacity.
5.
Reducing Methane Emissions
- Improved Livestock Management: Sustainable livestock management
practices, such as rotational grazing and better feed efficiency, can
reduce methane emissions from cattle and other ruminants.
6. Supporting
Marine Ecosystems
- Fish and Marine Life: Fish and other marine life contribute
to the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are important
carbon sinks. Healthy marine ecosystems absorb and store significant
amounts of carbon.
By supporting these natural processes and protecting wildlife
habitats, we can harness the power of animals to help mitigate climate
change. Conservation efforts that focus on maintaining and restoring
ecosystems are crucial in this regard.
How Vertical Migration
of Wildlife Aids Carbon Sequestration
by NowThis Earth
A growing desire among fisheries to explore twilight-zone creatures
could threaten the balance of the ecosystem and the capture of carbon
in the ocean.
The Important Role of Wolves
in the Ecosystem Predator or Protector
by Animal Exploration
In the depths of the vast
forest, wolves roam the land that is their home. As the top predator,
wolves play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
As predators, wolves play a crucial role in controlling the populations
of herbivorous animals such as deer and rabbits. By preying on sick
or weak animals, they naturally filter the population, allowing only
the strongest to survive.
But the role of wolves is not limited to being just predators. They
also play a deeper role as 'protectors' of the ecosystem. the presence
of wolves affects the populations of other wild animals. By controlling
the populations of herbivorous animals, they influence the growth of
plants. By reducing the food pressure on certain plants, wolves help
maintain biodiversity in the forest. Certain plants that would be eaten
by herbivores may have a better chance to thrive.
Sustainable pollination
project protecting pollinator biodiversity
by Bayer Crop Science Australia and New Zealand
In Australia, a range of insects pollinate
crops, each with their own challenges including disease, a volatile
climate and the availability of floral resources. These challenges,
if not addressed, pose an unresolved risk to Australia’s food system
and environmental diversity. The Healthy Bees for Sustainable Pollination
project is part of the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative
developed by Hort Innovation. The collaborative research project is
conducted by the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western
Sydney University (UWS), and supported by Bayer.
Regenerative grazing, Soil
carbon markets, and Using cattle as a tool for fighting climate change.
by Work on Climate
Kevin Silverman from Soilworks and Josh Shaeffer leading a discussion
on regenerative grazing, soil carbon markets, and using cattle as a
tool for fighting climate change. Joined by Travis Krause, CEO of Grazing
Lands, and Sam Duncan, CEO of FarmLab. We will touch everything from
emerging carbon grazing projects to value-added regenerative dairy products.
How Seaweed Is Helping
Ireland Reduce Methane Emissions
by NowThis Earth
Scientists in Ireland are scrubbing the
country’s coastline for seaweed to feed ruminant livestock such
as cattle and sheep. Research out of University of California, Davis,
found that adding a type of seaweed called asparagopsis taxiformis to
cattle feed reduced the amount of methane released by the cows by an
astonishing 82%. Methane, while shorter-lived than other greenhouse
gases, warms the planet 30x more efficiently than CO2. In the U.S. approx
10% of methane emissions come from agriculture, a good portion of which
is methane from cattle belches and flatulence. Researchers in Ireland
are doubtful they can see an 80%+ reduction, but they still believe
they could make a significant dent. Meanwhile, Ireland’s cattle
numbers have reportedly grown by more than 10% over the last 10 years
and the country is one of the largest beef and dairy exporters in Europe,
Ireland’s per capita methane output is reportedly the highest in
the European Union.
Scientists
connect the health of deep sea creature populations with global climate
by CBS Mornings
A new exhibit at Monterey
Bay Aquarium gives the public up-close views of marine life previously
only seen by scientists. These deep sea creatures serve a crucial role
in keeping the planet's climate in balance. Senior environmental correspondent
Ben Tracy has more.
Paul is a forecaster with over three decades
experience exploring the dynamics of large-scale, long-term change.
He teaches forecasting at Stanford University and advises organizations
worldwide. Paul is also a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic
Council and a Fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.
Paul serves on a variety of not-for-profit boards including the Long
Now Foundation, and the Millennium Project. Paul’s essays have
appeared in a wide range of publications including The Harvard Business
Review, Fortune, Foreign Policy, Wired, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek,
The New York Times, and the Washington Post. Paul holds degrees from
Harvard College, Cambridge University and Stanford University.
A Futurist's View on Climate
Change | Paul Saffo
by TEDxMarinSalon
Paul discusses the competing
perspectives in the climate debate and what it may take to solve this
Crisis. Paul Saffo is a Silicon Valley-based forecaster exploring long-term
technology trends and their impact on society. He teaches at Stanford
and leads Future Studies at Singularity University. In 2008, Saffo was
named Distinguished Visiting Scholar in the Stanford Media X research
network. He is also a board member of the Long Now Foundation. He has
degrees from Harvard College, Cambridge University, and Stanford University.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format
but independently organized by a local community.
Wataru Toyokawa
