08.09.2018 – Rise for climate

Since last Sunday we were fortunate to observe Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) again and again. Even today, our guests were allowed to admire the largest of the toothed whales. Spread across the sea, these wondrous giants drifted. From the spotter we knew that they were on dive before.

When Sperm whales dive into these blue depths, their body has to perform miracles. Alone with the pressure, which increases every 10m by one atmosphere (1013 mbar), it’s a masterstroke! At a depth of 1000m, the water presses 100x more on the skin than on the surface. Per square centimeter of skin that is 100kg! That will astonish you!

Today was an important day on another level … not just for us as individual, but also for our earth, for our climate! There were demonstrations and events around the world to encourage those in local politics to commit to clean energy. (check out: https://riseforclimate.org/live/)

Of course, it should never be forgotten, climate protection starts with each one of us. If every citizen of Earth accepts his responsibility to minimize the ecological footprint, it will be a big step in the overall process for a more sustainable thinking and a healthier earth.

But decision-makers must also be called upon to work for sustainable energy in the economy. Why start new fossil fuel and gas projects? There are now enough opportunities to use renewable energy.

Our earth is warming up fast! The oldest and thickest sea ice in the Arctic has started to break up, opening waters north of Greenland.

This phenomenon has taken place this year due to warm winds and climate-driven heatwave in the northern hemisphere. It has never been recorded before

Ice to the north of Greenland is usually particularly compacted due to the Transpolar Drift Stream, one of two major weather patterns that push ice from Siberia across the Arctic to the coastline, where it packs. This area in the North of Greenland has often been called ‘the last ice area’!

As well as reducing ice cover, the ocean level raises concerns and could tip the Earth towards a hothouse state.

The unusual Arctic temperatures have alarmed climate scientists since the beginning of the year. A heatwave raised concerns that the polar vortex may be eroding.

This includes the Gulf Stream, which is at its weakest level in 1,600 years due to melting Greenland ice and ocean warming. With lower circulation of water and air, weather systems tend to linger longer. A change in the flow rate of the Gulf Stream can bring extreme changes in European weather.

Climate change is becoming more and more of an issue in our countries, but climate protection is a part of everyday life for each and every one of us.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

15:00 Atlantic Spotted dolphins

Stenella

12:00 Sperm whales