Words by Tess Becker
Climate change affects nearly every area of this planet, from the weather to individual species and food chains. In spite of that, the puffin population in Maine is recovering and growing.
The cute and goofy birds had their second consecutive rebound year for fledging chicks after suffering a catastrophic 2021, said scientists who monitor the birds.
The fear was that warming waters off the coast of New England would kill fish that the birds feed their young with. But one essential fish, the sand lance, has remained in abundance this year.
“This year is a good example of how complex things are. We can’t boil it down to one variable,” said Don Lyons, director of conservation science at the National Audubon Society’s Seabird Institute in Bremen, Maine. “We still have a lot to learn.”
He added that this is an example of how the effects of climate change won’t be as cut and dry as we might expect.
While this is a positive, researchers are urging people to be aware that one positive doesn’t outweigh all the negatives of the climate and ecological emergency.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here.
Florida Bicycle Association. An organization that helps mobilize people and promote greener living and safer biking. Find out more.
Collective Sun. They help nonprofits get outfitted with solar power capabilities. Check them out here.
