Human Repercussion
Whales historically dominated the world’s oceans, but they have suffered tremendously in the last hundred years. It is estimated, that, due to harvesting in the last century, nearly 3 million cetaceans have been wiped out by whaling fleets.
In 1986, a moratorium was introduced by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) on all commercial whaling but some countries continue the practice. Around 30,000 whales have been killed since then. The Northern right and sperm whale have come very close to extinction.
Whale products have been used for a variety of commercial purposes and their meat is still considered a delicacy in places like Japan, Iceland and Norway. It was with a heavy heart that I traipsed the streets of Iceland a few months ago and witnessed people buying whale meat over the counter as if it was some sort of common vegetable.
I use the whale as a primary example, but they are just one species that humans have interfered with to the near reality of extinction. It is becoming increasingly difficult for wild animals to survive. Human impact has left an enormous environmental footprint. In 2011, the International Union for Conservation in Nature, officially declared the Western Black Rhino as extinct due to ivory hunting.
We continue to burn fossil fuels at a rapid rate driving climate change that is causing the world to get hotter. The ice is melting in the Arctic and these cetaceans have to migrate further to breeding grounds. We have depleted fish species from overfishing and used monsterboats with giant nets to sell tuna for a cheap buck. We have cut down forests in order to grow cheap paper and palm plantations.
Things you can do to help:
Stay away from products that contain unsustainably sourced palm oil.The palm oil industry has caused devastating deforestation in the past years. Zoos Victoria have this campaign highlighting some palm oil containing products that are not currently sustainably sourced or properly labelled.
Buy pole and line tuna. This means the tuna has been caught with a hook and line instead of a massive boat using destructive fishing gear that causes bycatch. You can find our tuna guide here to see what is sustainable. If I could make the whole world stop eating one thing it would be tuna. Unfortunately I can't control your eating habits.
Buy recycled! Whether it’s the paper in your office, or the toilet paper on your roll, there are many brands that comply with 100% recycled products. Who gives a Crap are an excellent toilet paper initiative that give 50% of their profits to build toilets. It also feels nice on your bum because it is recycled and your conscious is guilt free.
Eat local produce – This can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint as well as support local farmers.
Teach your kids that there used to be whales and rhinos in the same way we learned about the dinosaurs. Teach them to be informed with their decisions, to recycle, buy second hand or locally sourced clothing, to avoid fast fashion, grow your own garden and leave that bloody plastic bag at the supermarket. To go to rallys, sign petitions and to make some god damn noise. It's nearly time for the revolution.