Transcript Swimming for a Healthy World - AWRA-PMAS

SWIM FOR A HEALTHY WORLD
1000+ MILES FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
We Are Facing Two HUGE
Environmental Problems:
1. Global Climate Change
Problem:
• We are burning Fossil Fuels Like Coal, Oil, and Gasoline.
• Unhelpful Effects:
– When we burn these fuels, they release gases that surround the
planet like a blanket, and heat it up.
– When the ocean absorbs CO2 it becomes more acidic and the
marine web of life is threatened.
Solution: Switch to Clean,
Renewable Sources of Energy
Measuring Climate Change
Effects in the Ocean
• Sampling of sea surface pH reveals ocean
turning acidic
• Measured sea surface temperatures are
higher than historical average
2. Threats to Biodiversity and the
Web of Life
Problem:
• We are trashing the
land, water, and air
• We are causing
species to go extinct
SOLUTION:
• Stop trashing the planet
• Start taking better care of the life around us.
One Way To Stop Shark Finning
• The Shark Conservation Act of 2009 (S. 850) aims to end
shark finning in U.S. waters once and for all. The act would
require that all "landed" shark fins--those found on fishing
boats for example--be naturally attached to sharks. This bill
has already passed the House of Representatives and is
awaiting action in the Senate.
• Senator John Kerry [D, MA] is a lead sponsor of this bill.
Please take a moment to call (202-224-2742), or fax (202224-8525) Senator Kerry. Let the him know that you
support the Shark Conservation Act of 2009 (S. 850), and
would like to see it come to the Senate floor for a vote.
Swim Statistics
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As of 11/19/2009:
Covered 85+ miles over 36 days in the water
Made presentations to 10,000+ students
Reached over 50,000 people social media like
twitter, facebook, and changents.
• Recycled over 100,000 pounds of used electronics
• Received millions of media impressions through
stories on the BBC, NPR, and Associated Press.