All the extinctions. All the losses. All the angst.
Being unaware is no excuse. We are all responsible.
I track local extinctions where I live. So much loss. I started a property list in 1980: Moths & butterflies, birds & spring ephemerals, and more.
Many of these species no longer brighten my day as I walk my trails.
I have protected this place from development, created a management plan, all to provide a refuge within this landscape.
Actions beyond the manager of this parcel will continue to impact diversity here. We each do what we can to protect, but the winds of change are selfish today.
What will tomorrow bring? We can't give up. Your actions, your refuge for diversity may be what makes a difference.
Thanks for the link, Bryan. From the FRN (published only 2 weeks before the meeting), the 6 permanent Federal committee members are the Secretary of the Interior (Chair), the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Army, the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, the EPA Administrator, and the NOAA Administrator. Sadly, I think there is no doubt that they'll vote to allow for the exemption.
Sadly, but predictably, I think many people might agree with the sentiment “I can’t say that my life would be materially depleted if the Rice’s Whale or other species were to suffer or go extinct” but then, that’s the human condition, right? To assign or not assign value based on the innate belief in our rights/needs above all other beings on the planet. Maybe value isn’t the point. Maybe simply being a piece of the puzzle (ant, human, eel, whale, fungi, whatever) is the big picture point. Thank you for sharing this. I’m sharing it everywhere I can.
I would think all the tourism businesses located on the Gulf of Mexico , all the people that enjoy the beaches and islands and warmth would not be happy with potential drilling and spills.
Well, your essay sparked something in me, and your ending was key—not because I took it as you don’t care, anything but! just that it made me realize how part of the human brain works on a “what’s it worth” system. I’m sure there’s a better description of this. So now I ask, why can’t my need for the value in simply being aware these creatures exist (and even, not being aware) hold weight in a decision making analysis? I don’t need to see a whale to understand its existence is tied to my existence, or to believe or need to prove that it is. Thank you again for writing this piece.
This is the most one-sided essay I've seen in a long time. Are you as concerned about the right whales off your own east coast? North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, with only about 380 individuals remaining as of early 2024.
They are endangered by offshore wind turbines, which have a much larger 'footprint' than an oil well, being grouped by the dozens of turbines, which also kill many birds - have you written about that? Or is that topic off limits because it doesn't fit your narrative?
BTW, oil spills are less apt to happen since 2010 because of technological safety improvements. And it's a big ocean - an oil well is like a needle in a haystack; easy to avoid.
Not so with wind farms, but those who say they care about the environment and all of God's creatures hardly give a peep. Such hypocrisy!
Woods Hole Oceanographic institution says there is no link between wind turbines and right whale deaths. National oceanic and atmosphere administration also says there are no links between large whale deaths and ongoing offshore wind activities. What’s your source?
Fair question, Maggie. I didn't say there were any scientifically proven deaths; I just said that the right whales are critically endangered.
From Ai, there is reason to be concerned:
"There have been clusters of whale deaths (e.g., along the U.S. East Coast since ~2016), which raised concern.
Some deaths occurred near areas where wind surveys were happening, prompting speculation
Activists and some political figures have claimed a connection
Lawsuits and protests have argued potential risk"
Full disclosure: I'm admittedly very opposed to offshore wind, for quite a few reasons*. I'm also an environmentalist - I love all of God's creation - so that factors in too.
Activists can claim what ever they want to, but unless it’s backed by science, I don’t listen.
Right whales are indeed endangered, but it’s ridiculous to whaddabout someone because they point out another critically endangered species of whale. Many of us have brains large enough to hold the two species, plus a lot more.
A moving and important alarm, Bryan. I’ve shared it on my socials. It resonates strongly with a feature I’ve just written (won’t be out for a bit) on the gutting of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act by our “open for business” Premier, which includes the delisting and removal of all provincial protections for 42 endangered and threatened species.
My kids grew up with a game called SAVE THE WHALES. IT was a cooperative game and saving the whales united all players when a whale was in danger from the catcher ships or oil spills. It was a terrifying moment when any whale was on the brink of extinction/ we all felt the sense of responsibility to save it and the possible guilt if it was lost. Is there anything we can do here?
We'll perhaps know a bit more on Friday when the lawsuit to stop the meeting gets a hearing -- at least that's what I've been told. I suspect this will be tangled in courts for a while.
Interesting sounding game. But did any of the cooperation involve not driving a car? Turning down the heat and/or air conditioning? Not buying toys, takeout in plastic boxes, or even foregoing plastic garbage bags?
We are all complicit. Until humans agree to stop using petroleum products so greedily, other species will suffer.
Not quite his "brand," thinking about ANYTHING that does not immediately benefit Drumpf's high-rolling backers in the fossil fuel industry. So one more awesome creature must inevitably edge closer to extinction. If you've finally had your fill, we do have a chance to roll back this type of short-sighted environmental insanity in November. Please vote against Drumpf sycophants who enable this type of thinking, and encourage others to do likewise. Drumpf only gets away with it when we think we are powerless. Together, we are not powerless, and Drumpf and his cronies need to be shown we will not be ignored for their short-term greed.
After reading one of your comments, I regretted immediately that I took the time, my time, to feel what others have felt about your post. It is not the first time I was extremely grateful for being ‘just a reader’ on Substack, but it is the first time I have ever read negativity in comments. Isn’t that the kind of ill-banter found on X , or Instagram? (which I totally avoid). I do know that Bryan Pfeiffer spends a great deal of his time walking in nature, calling our attention to beauty, taking the deep dive to educate his readers—he is articulate, intuitive, both serious and fun loving in the most wonderful conversations. Heck, I am pressing ‘block’, just so I do not have to come face to face again, with this needless rant that might spread to my other favorites on Stack. There, I feel better now.
Your thoughtful poignant essay immediately reminded me of the Lakota phrase Mitákuye Oyás’i that translates in English as “all my relatives,” “we are all related,” or “all my relations.” Thank you for alerting us to this upcoming meeting. Please keep us updated.
Thanks, Bryan, very informative. Will I be able to even bring myself to watch the live stream? I am thinking of Vermont’s sculpture of the Whale’s Tails that I pass by almost daily. (They looked much more majestic in the rolling fields of Randolph). Sadly, they remind me of Whales, in the past tense. I had no idea the artist’s idea originated from our own VT whale ancestry, though I am sure you do: “remains of a marine whale were unearthed in 1849 near the town of Charlotte by railroad workers. The bones, believed to be those of a Beluga whale, were ten feet beneath the ground in blue clay. For 2,500 years after the end of the Ice Age (12,500 years ago), the Champlain Valley was an extension of the ocean known as the Champlain Sea.” A “disconnect indeed.
I am not sorry to feel suffocated by helpless rage and grief. The feeling is appropriate. I am only sorry about the capricious destruction of the biological miracle of life on earth.
Thank you for keeping us informed on these important issues. I have just read Pope Francis' "On Care for our Common Home". He emphasizes how we are all connected, both physically and spiritually. The "we" are all living creatures.
All the extinctions. All the losses. All the angst.
Being unaware is no excuse. We are all responsible.
I track local extinctions where I live. So much loss. I started a property list in 1980: Moths & butterflies, birds & spring ephemerals, and more.
Many of these species no longer brighten my day as I walk my trails.
I have protected this place from development, created a management plan, all to provide a refuge within this landscape.
Actions beyond the manager of this parcel will continue to impact diversity here. We each do what we can to protect, but the winds of change are selfish today.
What will tomorrow bring? We can't give up. Your actions, your refuge for diversity may be what makes a difference.
Thank you Bryan, for reminding me.
Thanks for the link, Bryan. From the FRN (published only 2 weeks before the meeting), the 6 permanent Federal committee members are the Secretary of the Interior (Chair), the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Army, the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, the EPA Administrator, and the NOAA Administrator. Sadly, I think there is no doubt that they'll vote to allow for the exemption.
... and you are no doubt an astute and experienced observer of these things in government!
Sadly, but predictably, I think many people might agree with the sentiment “I can’t say that my life would be materially depleted if the Rice’s Whale or other species were to suffer or go extinct” but then, that’s the human condition, right? To assign or not assign value based on the innate belief in our rights/needs above all other beings on the planet. Maybe value isn’t the point. Maybe simply being a piece of the puzzle (ant, human, eel, whale, fungi, whatever) is the big picture point. Thank you for sharing this. I’m sharing it everywhere I can.
I would think all the tourism businesses located on the Gulf of Mexico , all the people that enjoy the beaches and islands and warmth would not be happy with potential drilling and spills.
I like that angle, Mackenzie. Something about the close of that essay didn't quite work for me. Maybe I'll change it -- or add your idea. Thanks!
Well, your essay sparked something in me, and your ending was key—not because I took it as you don’t care, anything but! just that it made me realize how part of the human brain works on a “what’s it worth” system. I’m sure there’s a better description of this. So now I ask, why can’t my need for the value in simply being aware these creatures exist (and even, not being aware) hold weight in a decision making analysis? I don’t need to see a whale to understand its existence is tied to my existence, or to believe or need to prove that it is. Thank you again for writing this piece.
This is the most one-sided essay I've seen in a long time. Are you as concerned about the right whales off your own east coast? North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, with only about 380 individuals remaining as of early 2024.
They are endangered by offshore wind turbines, which have a much larger 'footprint' than an oil well, being grouped by the dozens of turbines, which also kill many birds - have you written about that? Or is that topic off limits because it doesn't fit your narrative?
BTW, oil spills are less apt to happen since 2010 because of technological safety improvements. And it's a big ocean - an oil well is like a needle in a haystack; easy to avoid.
Not so with wind farms, but those who say they care about the environment and all of God's creatures hardly give a peep. Such hypocrisy!
Get a life. I hope you’re paid by the word.
Woods Hole Oceanographic institution says there is no link between wind turbines and right whale deaths. National oceanic and atmosphere administration also says there are no links between large whale deaths and ongoing offshore wind activities. What’s your source?
Fair question, Maggie. I didn't say there were any scientifically proven deaths; I just said that the right whales are critically endangered.
From Ai, there is reason to be concerned:
"There have been clusters of whale deaths (e.g., along the U.S. East Coast since ~2016), which raised concern.
Some deaths occurred near areas where wind surveys were happening, prompting speculation
Activists and some political figures have claimed a connection
Lawsuits and protests have argued potential risk"
Full disclosure: I'm admittedly very opposed to offshore wind, for quite a few reasons*. I'm also an environmentalist - I love all of God's creation - so that factors in too.
*https://alchristie.substack.com/p/summary-of-offshore-wind-turbine?
Activists can claim what ever they want to, but unless it’s backed by science, I don’t listen.
Right whales are indeed endangered, but it’s ridiculous to whaddabout someone because they point out another critically endangered species of whale. Many of us have brains large enough to hold the two species, plus a lot more.
A moving and important alarm, Bryan. I’ve shared it on my socials. It resonates strongly with a feature I’ve just written (won’t be out for a bit) on the gutting of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act by our “open for business” Premier, which includes the delisting and removal of all provincial protections for 42 endangered and threatened species.
Yikes! I had no clue -- and I ❤️ Ontario in a big way. Please send me the feature when it's ready, Brian.
Thank, Bryan Pfeiffer, for an enlightening look at this issue.
Please don’t badmouth the Devil’s Hole Pupfish. That’s just being ignorant in public, jhysus.
You know, I'm fairly certain that I've seen Gambusia gaigei (at Big Bend National Park) -- and intend to write an essay about it.
My kids grew up with a game called SAVE THE WHALES. IT was a cooperative game and saving the whales united all players when a whale was in danger from the catcher ships or oil spills. It was a terrifying moment when any whale was on the brink of extinction/ we all felt the sense of responsibility to save it and the possible guilt if it was lost. Is there anything we can do here?
We'll perhaps know a bit more on Friday when the lawsuit to stop the meeting gets a hearing -- at least that's what I've been told. I suspect this will be tangled in courts for a while.
Very ironic that some that are interfering with offshore wind generators, find them ugly, want to put oil rigs out there.
Interesting sounding game. But did any of the cooperation involve not driving a car? Turning down the heat and/or air conditioning? Not buying toys, takeout in plastic boxes, or even foregoing plastic garbage bags?
We are all complicit. Until humans agree to stop using petroleum products so greedily, other species will suffer.
I loved this line in your post” To disregard a whale is to spurn the sublime”. A loss of those whales would spiritually deprive us.
Indeed! Thanks, Margie!
Not quite his "brand," thinking about ANYTHING that does not immediately benefit Drumpf's high-rolling backers in the fossil fuel industry. So one more awesome creature must inevitably edge closer to extinction. If you've finally had your fill, we do have a chance to roll back this type of short-sighted environmental insanity in November. Please vote against Drumpf sycophants who enable this type of thinking, and encourage others to do likewise. Drumpf only gets away with it when we think we are powerless. Together, we are not powerless, and Drumpf and his cronies need to be shown we will not be ignored for their short-term greed.
After reading one of your comments, I regretted immediately that I took the time, my time, to feel what others have felt about your post. It is not the first time I was extremely grateful for being ‘just a reader’ on Substack, but it is the first time I have ever read negativity in comments. Isn’t that the kind of ill-banter found on X , or Instagram? (which I totally avoid). I do know that Bryan Pfeiffer spends a great deal of his time walking in nature, calling our attention to beauty, taking the deep dive to educate his readers—he is articulate, intuitive, both serious and fun loving in the most wonderful conversations. Heck, I am pressing ‘block’, just so I do not have to come face to face again, with this needless rant that might spread to my other favorites on Stack. There, I feel better now.
I may reply to that uniformed comment you mention, Lor -- I'm not sure it's worth my time, however.
Not worth your precious time.
Your thoughtful poignant essay immediately reminded me of the Lakota phrase Mitákuye Oyás’i that translates in English as “all my relatives,” “we are all related,” or “all my relations.” Thank you for alerting us to this upcoming meeting. Please keep us updated.
Thanks, Bryan, very informative. Will I be able to even bring myself to watch the live stream? I am thinking of Vermont’s sculpture of the Whale’s Tails that I pass by almost daily. (They looked much more majestic in the rolling fields of Randolph). Sadly, they remind me of Whales, in the past tense. I had no idea the artist’s idea originated from our own VT whale ancestry, though I am sure you do: “remains of a marine whale were unearthed in 1849 near the town of Charlotte by railroad workers. The bones, believed to be those of a Beluga whale, were ten feet beneath the ground in blue clay. For 2,500 years after the end of the Ice Age (12,500 years ago), the Champlain Valley was an extension of the ocean known as the Champlain Sea.” A “disconnect indeed.
I do indeed know of the Champlain Whale. What a story!
I am not sorry to feel suffocated by helpless rage and grief. The feeling is appropriate. I am only sorry about the capricious destruction of the biological miracle of life on earth.
It's about to hit the news again -- today or tomorrow.
Thank you for keeping us informed on these important issues. I have just read Pope Francis' "On Care for our Common Home". He emphasizes how we are all connected, both physically and spiritually. The "we" are all living creatures.
Thank you, Bryan. Whale has been coming up for me a lot recently, and this feels like a culmination of that.
More news to come on this. Stay tuned.