Juanita Irizarry’s Post

Check out my #EarthDay op-ed in Chicago Tribune. Let's celebrate and protect our #GreatLakes where we live, work and play. Chicagoans from all communities stream to Lake Michigan to go picnicking, swim, play soccer and frisbee, fish, boat, kayak and play on the beaches. Lake Michigan is our lodestar — ask Chicagoans which way is east, and we point to the lake. We all love the Great Lakes. That’s why in our politically polarized nation, protecting the Great Lakes is bipartisan and nonpartisan. There’s no partisan divide on the beaches among Dem. and Rep. frisbee throwers, and everyone wants safe water for drinking and swimming. When then-Pres. Trump’s budgets zeroed out funding for the successful Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the thunderstorm of opposition from both Rep. and Dem. public officials thumped his myopic approach. Congress restored funding. The overwhelming support for the Great Lakes trumped Trump. But we can’t take our Great Lakes for granted. Longtime Chicagoans recall foamy contaminated Lake Michigan water, cursed alewives cluttering beaches and raw industrial sewage discharged into the lake. Because of the Clean Water Act and other effective policies, Lake Michigan is thankfully cleaner and more enjoyable for all. The Great Lakes, however, face new challenges. More extreme fluctuations in water levels driven by climate change, combined with more intense storm winds whipping up heavy waves, are battering and eroding beaches, lakeshore buildings and bluffs. Toxic algae outbreaks contaminate water supplies, harm fisheries and make swimming yucky in shallow water bays near Toledo, Green Bay and Saginaw. Here are five key action steps to protect our Great Lakes: 1. Protect our Lake Michigan shoreline. Chicago’s lakefront is a gem of parks, beaches, walking and bike paths, recreational sports fields, and nature sanctuaries. Let’s keep it clean and safe, and improve public access and facilities to make it better.  2. Adapt to rising waters threatening shoreline buildings. Climate change creates more extreme fluctuations in Great Lakes water levels with higher highs and lower lows. Let's rethink and adapt shoreline infrastructure to be more resilient. 3. Hold polluters accountable if they contaminate our Lakes. Penalties should be high enough to disincentivize pollution violations. Better yet, reduce pollution and don’t do it in the lake. 4. Reduce agricultural phosphorus pollution -- manure and fertilizers -- that causes toxic algae outbreaks in Lake Erie every summer. 5. Keep sewage out of the Lakes. Green infrastructure absorbs floodwaters and separating of storm and sewage waters keep our lakes clean. Invest in a cleaner and safer water future. This Earth Day, let’s celebrate the progress and also recognize the focused policy actions and hard work to be good stewards protecting our Great Lakes for use and enjoyment by all.  https://lnkd.in/gHhKdQJs

🌿 This World Wetlands Day, let's reflect on the critical role wetlands play in safeguarding coastal areas, sequestering carbon, purifying water, and nurturing rare species. These vital ecosystems face threats from agriculture, overfishing, and peat harvesting. World Wetlands Day, observed on 2nd February each year, sheds light on these concerns. This year’s theme, "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing," relates closely to two ELSP planning projects which exemplify the importance of wetland restoration in enhancing human livelihoods. As we celebrate World Wetlands Day 2024, let us recognise the intrinsic value of wetlands and pledge to safeguard and restore these precious ecosystems for generations to come. #WorldWetlandsDay 🌍💧 https://lnkd.in/gHtn6Y5K

🌳 Our state parks are facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, from raging wildfires to rising sea levels. And a recent report from the California State Parks Foundation highlights the urgent need for increased funding to protect these natural treasures. At Interwest Consulting, we're passionate about creating resilient and sustainable green spaces. Our landscape architecture and public works services can help mitigate climate risks through solutions like: 🔥 Wildfire mitigation strategies like prescribed burns and fuel load reduction ⛰ Relocating infrastructure away from vulnerable coastal areas 🌊 Adapting parks and beaches for sea level rise impacts Let's work together to safeguard California's parks for future generations to enjoy. We have the expertise to design climate-resilient outdoor spaces that balance preservation and public access. https://hubs.la/Q02x_5Sj0 #InterwestConsulting #SustainableNeighborhoods #GreenSpaces #PublicWorks #PublicParks

Well, they got the Smith right anyway. I spoke right after Dr. Jim Baker, Head of NOAA in Monterey, CA. 1998. Hello, my name is John Gray Smith. I’m chairman and chief executive officer of a company called the Conservation Consortium. In addition to being the head ofthe company, I’m also a Cape Codder. Cape Cod is a world away from here. It’s a tiny little spit ofsand that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. It was the place the Pilgrims landed before this country began. It’s a place where we’re currently suffering from the ills of nonpoint-source pollution, the destruction of our coastal ecosystem, and the poisoning of our ocean’s nurseries. My personal focus is on alternative resource development and alternative technologies to find ways to mitigate this decline, to find ways to introduce alternatives to the problems that we’re all facing. We’re all equally Cape Codders in a way, because we all depend on the ocean. As we’ve heard here today—as I’m sure we’re going to hear more over the next few days—we have to take the responsibility to bring this issue to the forefront of all of our fellow Americans. Because ifthis country doesn’t take the ocean as a serious objective in the 21st century, we’re going to be a country in isolation that’s going to be dependent upon the rest of the world in order to help us. A comment was made that it’s time for us to back off and stop focusing strictly on the study. It’s time for us to start to get behind the solution, to bring these things to the forefront, and to start to implement them.This is what is needed. The Lieutenant Governor from Guam put it directly and put it succinctly. We need funding to put these infrastructure changes into play in order to be able to mitigate these damaging situations that aren’t due to our innocence.They aren’t due to our ignorance. They’re due to older philosophies that didn’t understand the complex web ofinterconnection between ourselves and our environment. It’s time for us to take the initiative, to be good stewards, to take this initiative, to start to move forward into the 21st century. I ask you all to please look at alternatives. Let’s move into the 21st century. Another gentleman came up—and I can tell you we’re proud to note he was in a way a parttime Cape Codder—and he catalyzed this country to move forward to a great objective. This was going to the moon. Going to the moon was a unique initiative. It wasn’t done before. It was something that required us to take advantage of the ingenuity and the brain power that exists in this country to move into that new environment. I tell you today that, in my opinion, as a Cape Codder, we must take this initiative to look at the ocean the same way that we looked at traveling to the moon.We must move forward to take the initiative to seek those alternates and to bind together to make this a council that makes something happen Kind of profound to now be competing for the Earthshot Prize.

The need to prioritize reforestation and promoting sustainably managed forests is essential to rebuilding the various fire damaged boreal forest regions.

The wildfires ravaging the San BernardinoMountains are more than just natural disasters— Creating Koas. They’re a warning of the environmental toll we’ve ignored for too long. Communities like Lake Arrowhead, Twin Peaks, Crestline, Blue Jay, Running Springs, and Big Bear are at risk. These areas, once cherished for their natural beauty, are now suffering due to corporate greed and neglect of environmental responsibility. We call on corporations, leaders, and businesses who profit from these mountains, who market their beauty, and who encourage tourism and growth to step up and give back. 🌍 For too long, major corporations—hotel resorts, ski resorts, Starbucks, fast food chains, liquor stores, large retailers, and others—have reaped the benefits of these beautiful mountain communities without reinvesting in their protection. While revenue pours in, what is being given back to safeguard the wildlife, ecosystems, and people who have lived here for generations? 🌬️ We’ve seen enough destruction: • Wildfires are more frequent and more devastating than ever before. • Our natural landscapes are littered, and waste is piling up from increased foot traffic and tourism. • Generational residents are being displaced, and wildlife is suffering, all while corporate profits soar. It’s time to stop exploiting Mother Nature for profit and instead, start investing in her protection. These corporations must give back to the very communities they profit from and join efforts to combat climate change. The people of these mountain towns have already sacrificed too much—we can’t afford to lose more. Let’s unite in demanding climate action, more environmental regulations, and proper funding for wildfire prevention and community support. The health of these mountain regions depends on our ability to hold those in power accountable. As an advocate for Mother Nature, I am deeply committed to raising awareness about the urgent global climate crisis that threatens our ecosystems, air quality, and animal habitats. The destructive impact of pollution and environmental degradation is akin to a form of modern-day slavery, where both nature and marginalized communities suffer under the weight of industrial greed and negligence. Our air is thick with toxins, while vital habitats are being obliterated, leaving countless species vulnerable to extinction. It is our collective responsibility to dismantle these oppressive systems and fight for a sustainable future, one where we protect the delicate balance of life on our planet and honor the rights of all living beings. Together, we must advocate for policies that prioritize environmental justice, restore our ecosystems, and ensure that the beauty of Mother Nature is preserved for generations to come. I would to hear your thoughts on this subject. 🎥✨Director and Producer Kylie Terrique.

Cool burning, serves multiple purposes, including reducing risk of bushfires, supporting viability of species and protecting native wildlife. A central idea in traditional fire management is to have a cool fire. Cool burns also assist in the management of weed species, promote biodiversity and can increase production through improved pastures and better soil health. The aim of the cool burn that occurred at Mount Perry in June, was to rebuild the community connectivity for those impacted by bushfires and improve understanding of the traditional ecological knowledge behind cool burning. Cool burning practices – as demonstrated by Traditional Owvers from the Gidarjil Development Corporation (GDC), including Des Purcell, Gidarjil’s Sea Ranger Coordinator, and BMRG’s Conway Burns, a Butchulla man – focused on increasing resilience and capacity in affected communities. This knowledge-sharing opportunity involved local communities, the Queensland Fire Service, and landholders, who received guidance on wildfire prevention, preparedness, and strategies to reduce fire risk. Utilising cool burn techniques contributes to a healthier, more sustainable landscape. Cool burning isn’t just about fire – it’s about maintaining the delicate balance of life and ecosystems across generations. This workshop was a result of a collaboration between the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), and the Gidarjil Development Corporation.

Great article on how sustainable forest management and building wildfire resilient communities goes hand in hand: https://lnkd.in/g4rkzjtP?

The West of England Combined Authority Local Nature Recovery Toolkit is a way for communities, businesses and residents in Bristol to input into how the region should restore and protect natural habitats. England is widely considered to be one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world following historic and ongoing declines in wildlife. Government has made legally-binding commitments to end these declines and for nature to recover. This is important for nature’s own sake and for all the things that we rely on nature for, like clean water and food production. For nature to recover, targeted, co-ordinated and collaborative action will be required. Each Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will agree priorities for nature recovery and propose actions in locations where they would best help achieve those priorities. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs appointed 48 responsible authorities to lead on preparing an LNRS for their area. Together these 48 strategy areas cover the whole of England with no gaps or overlaps. As well as having a role in the planning system and directing public funding for nature recovery, LNRSs will inform the delivery of ‘nature-based solutions’ for outcomes such as flood management, carbon sequestration and improvements in water quality. Access the tool to: - understand which parts of the city region have been designated as 'Fous Areas' to protect and enhance biodiversity https://lnkd.in/eAHZr_i8 - provide feedback on what should and should not be designated as a 'Focus Area' https://lnkd.in/ecmMYaJv In 2020, Bristol City Office (Bristol One City) partners came together to declare an ecological emergency. This strategy is Bristol’s first co-ordinated effort to confront the ecological decline we face and put forward solutions that match the urgency and scale of the issue. https://lnkd.in/etKt6Asz https://bit.ly/49viPlD

Todays fun-fact/ interesting read: "Beaches and dunes are vital to society. They protect us from flooding, are an important source for our drinking water, and are an important habitat for numerous plant and animal species. When beaches and dunes are given enough space, they can fulfil all these functions. However, if dune areas become too narrow, natural flood protection, drinking water extraction and biodiversity are threatened." https://lnkd.in/eWKg2z4k