Do Your Part to Manage our Environment in the Future

Ann Paul, President

By Ann Paul, Tampa Audubon President

Thankfully, the cooler weather is here, and Florida once again has become the paradise for people and birds that we love!

But we need to keep in mind that shifts in global patterns of weather are going to be part of our future. This past summer was again one of our region’s hottest, with difficult days of combined heat and humidity making outdoor activities actually dangerous for people.

The temperature of the Gulf waters rose to high levels, threatening our coral reefs and possibly changing ecosystems in ways we cannot anticipate or alter.

Many factors are in play – the heat raises the sea level just by adding volume as the atoms in the water move faster, not to mention the melting of glaciers and polar ice adding to the sea’s waters. Storm patterns will be shifted – cold fronts will be more dramatic and warm weather storms larger and more damaging.

Individually, we can do some things. We can reduce our consumption of gas and petroleum products that contribute to the greenhouse effect. We can combine trips, walk or bicycle to destinations, share rides, lower our heating and cooling needs, install solar panels, drive cars and trucks with high fuel efficiency and turn off lights to reduce electrical use. You know the list – we’ve been talking about these efficiencies since Al Gore ran for president.

As a group, we watch for changes in bird movements and sightings and report our observations on eBird so scientists at Cornell University can analyze data from across the country.

We can remember to follow our hearts and intellect during the next election, to vote for government leaders at all levels of administrations who understand that our changing world is part of their responsibility to manage.

I wish everyone a very good Fall and Winter – join us for our meetings, field trips, and other activities. Be part of the community of Tampa Audubon.