Science Journal reports ocean dead zones growing

Our friend and Whalesong Project contributor, Katie Grove-Velasquez, just sent a report from Underwater Times with a summary of an August 15 Science journal article about the growing ocean dead zones, which are referred to as the "key stressor on marine ecosystems."  Once again we see, as the ancient Hawaiians and other cultures did, that the things we do on land are reflected in the health of the oceans.  We seem to need to make a lifestyle change towards sustainable agriculture, transportation, energy production fairly rapidly.  From Hong Kong,  I wish you all a good day.

Queen of Thailand advocates environmental protection

Here in Thailand, I am grateful to see positive action to protect the environment.  The main plaza downtown is showcasing environmental issues and solutions in a large photographic story board that covers almost two blocks.  A group called "Green World" paraded through town yesterday encouraging people to protect the environment.  The Queen Mother of Thailand, on her birthday,  encouraged people to "love each other and take care of the environment."  Read more.  She is especially concerned about "water and the forests."  The ocean has been the focus of The Whalesong Project, but we know that what people do on land affects life in the ocean, and it's good to see people caring.

Perspectives from 30,000 feet

I'm writing from the upper deck of a jumbo jet overlooking vast ocean as I write.  It's a different perspective on the world from up here.  I am heading to Asia to work on a couple of projects.

It was hard to leave Maui...it's always hard to leave my home there....but particularly hard to leave while the mystery of the whale who died recently on Molokai is unfolding.    An article in yesterday's Maui News describes the incident.  I'm not confident that the cause will be fully investigated in an impartial way.

I don't want to harp on the bad news too much.  Here's some good news:  Japan, where I am heading, is making major commitments to creating green belts, to solar and wind technologies for generating electricity.  China, where I will be soon, is investing in electric cars and wind energy systems.  I picked up a Forbes Magazine at the airport and most of the issue is dedicated to green technologies from electric cars to solar panels.  The Wall Street Journal says that some of the major obstacles to fuel cell technologies are being addressed successfully.  Maybe we can turn things around if good news keeps coming in like this.

The view of America, as seen by the rest of the world, is a bit disturbing.  With Guantanamo Bay, lack of action on global warming, etc., they seem to think we have lost our way.   One whale lost its way last week and I hope we can find out if it is a result of our human actions.