The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago
Today’s Date: 23 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Birdwatching as a child
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Kino Springs, Arizona
Now? Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, Bolivia
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Scale-backed Antbird because it has been a wonderful species to study and it is a species that illustrates the complexity of biodiversity in the tropics.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Educating scientists throughout the world that can communicate with the public about the need to study and conserve biodiversity.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Support educational programs at all levels as much as possible so that we have the scientific community necessary to make the best possible decisions about our world.
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
July 26, 2006
John Bothwell
Research Officer, Cayman Islands
Today’s Date: 24 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Going fishing with my father.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Near, on or in the sea, usually fishing or snorkeling and with friends.
Now? The same, except add SCUBA Diving to the fishing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Fish. From deep sea to shallow, from predators to grazers, they are wondrously amazing creatures, fun to watch and tasty to eat.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Adapting to climate change.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Use Less
Today’s Date: 24 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Going fishing with my father.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Near, on or in the sea, usually fishing or snorkeling and with friends.
Now? The same, except add SCUBA Diving to the fishing.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Fish. From deep sea to shallow, from predators to grazers, they are wondrously amazing creatures, fun to watch and tasty to eat.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Adapting to climate change.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Use Less
Mary Akers
The Institute for Tropical Marine Ecology (ITME, Inc.), Dominica
Today’s Date: July 24, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Probably my childhood, spent in a remote area of the Appalachians. Our nearest neighbors were a mile away and we were surrounded by woods with a pond in our front yard.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Probably at the top of the tallest pine tree behind the house. Also in/around the pond.
Now? Anywhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Sea turtle. They are wise and ancient and slow and graceful.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Climate change and destruction / depletion of the world's oceans.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't take water for granted and don't treat it carelessly. It all comes back around eventually.
Today’s Date: July 24, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Probably my childhood, spent in a remote area of the Appalachians. Our nearest neighbors were a mile away and we were surrounded by woods with a pond in our front yard.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Probably at the top of the tallest pine tree behind the house. Also in/around the pond.
Now? Anywhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Sea turtle. They are wise and ancient and slow and graceful.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Climate change and destruction / depletion of the world's oceans.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't take water for granted and don't treat it carelessly. It all comes back around eventually.
July 23, 2006
Leon Zann
Professor/Head, School of Marine Studies, University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Today’s Date: 24 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Not one but three life-changing natural experiences:
1. The first time I looked into a rock pool (at home, Australia, 1950?), when I was aged 3 years.
2. My first dive on a coral reef (Heron islands, Great Barrier Reef, 1966)
3. My first visit to a coral reef in Fiji (Jan 1979)
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The rock platforms and sandy beaches of my home in Northern NSW Australia.
Now? Pacific coral reefs, especially the atoll countries
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
(It seems a perverse one) The venomous, coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci. They represent what we know, and what we don't know about coral reefs. I have spent half my life in long-term studies, and managed the Barrier Reef Marine Parks research and control programs.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
I work at the Uni South Pacific where half our 12 member countries are small oceanic islands or atolls. Their challenge is isolation, vulnerability, lack of terrestrial resources, growing populations, high cost of fuel etc. They face not just a real threat of global climate change but day-to-day survival, lack of potable water, gastro-infections, diabetes etc. Small islands are regarded as scientific ‘natural laboratories' where we see in microcosm the big issues of the planet. It does not look good I am afraid.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Limit growth of human populations, and develop realistic objectives in development (in both developed and developing countries).
Today’s Date: 24 July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Not one but three life-changing natural experiences:
1. The first time I looked into a rock pool (at home, Australia, 1950?), when I was aged 3 years.
2. My first dive on a coral reef (Heron islands, Great Barrier Reef, 1966)
3. My first visit to a coral reef in Fiji (Jan 1979)
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The rock platforms and sandy beaches of my home in Northern NSW Australia.
Now? Pacific coral reefs, especially the atoll countries
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
(It seems a perverse one) The venomous, coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci. They represent what we know, and what we don't know about coral reefs. I have spent half my life in long-term studies, and managed the Barrier Reef Marine Parks research and control programs.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
I work at the Uni South Pacific where half our 12 member countries are small oceanic islands or atolls. Their challenge is isolation, vulnerability, lack of terrestrial resources, growing populations, high cost of fuel etc. They face not just a real threat of global climate change but day-to-day survival, lack of potable water, gastro-infections, diabetes etc. Small islands are regarded as scientific ‘natural laboratories' where we see in microcosm the big issues of the planet. It does not look good I am afraid.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Limit growth of human populations, and develop realistic objectives in development (in both developed and developing countries).
Zadie Neufville
Public Education Officer, National Environment and Planning Agency, Jamaica
Today's Date: July 23, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Watching birds feed in my yard as a child
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My backyard attracted all types of birds and a variety of lizards and other insects; it was the place for exploration.
Now? Anyplace that offers opportunities to walk and explore nature.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Don't know. I love dogs and cats, fish, some birds but I am also afraid of some insects and large lizards and I like to watch seals and dolphins and others like crocodiles, and whales fascinate me. If I have to chose I would say the Tiger because of its versatility on both land and in water, its strength, power and grace.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Public Education, getting people to understand that they can make a difference. Getting people to accept their responsibility in changing the way governments approach protection and conservation of natural environments
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be aware and be prepared to make some changes in your life and be a role model for others to do the same.
Today's Date: July 23, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Watching birds feed in my yard as a child
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My backyard attracted all types of birds and a variety of lizards and other insects; it was the place for exploration.
Now? Anyplace that offers opportunities to walk and explore nature.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Don't know. I love dogs and cats, fish, some birds but I am also afraid of some insects and large lizards and I like to watch seals and dolphins and others like crocodiles, and whales fascinate me. If I have to chose I would say the Tiger because of its versatility on both land and in water, its strength, power and grace.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Public Education, getting people to understand that they can make a difference. Getting people to accept their responsibility in changing the way governments approach protection and conservation of natural environments
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be aware and be prepared to make some changes in your life and be a role model for others to do the same.
Lanny Smith
The Earthman Project www.Earthman.TV
Today’s Date: 7/22/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I always had dogs and hung out in the woods of Long Island New York growing up. The woods have always held a connection or me. Hiking, camping and being in them brings a sense of peace and wonder.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The neighborhood woods (now a shopping center).
Now? Radnor Lake in Nashville, Tennessee
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Always been amazed at the size and yet gentleness of elephants. Smart animals.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Global Warming and Climate Change.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Educate, and then activate yourself to become part of the solution.
Today’s Date: 7/22/06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I always had dogs and hung out in the woods of Long Island New York growing up. The woods have always held a connection or me. Hiking, camping and being in them brings a sense of peace and wonder.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The neighborhood woods (now a shopping center).
Now? Radnor Lake in Nashville, Tennessee
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Always been amazed at the size and yet gentleness of elephants. Smart animals.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Global Warming and Climate Change.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Educate, and then activate yourself to become part of the solution.
July 21, 2006
Jack Ward
Director, Department of Conservation Services, Bermuda
Today's Date: 21st July 06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up on the shoreline turning over rocks and checking out the life under them.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The shoreline of Harrington Sound, Bermuda
Now? The coast of British Columbia
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My dog – he understands me and never questions.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Human Greed – now and into the future. It fuels the materialistic madness that compromises all natural systems.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
A wealthy man is one who is free from want – control your wants and be wealthy.
Today's Date: 21st July 06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Growing up on the shoreline turning over rocks and checking out the life under them.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The shoreline of Harrington Sound, Bermuda
Now? The coast of British Columbia
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
My dog – he understands me and never questions.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Human Greed – now and into the future. It fuels the materialistic madness that compromises all natural systems.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
A wealthy man is one who is free from want – control your wants and be wealthy.
Parrie Pinyan
Private Citizen
Today's Date: July 21, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
"Working" on the farm and in the woods when I was very young with my grandpa. (He was 1/4 Cherokee and tried to teach me everything he knew.)
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Woods and small streams.
Now? Woods and clear streams.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Dogs-unconditional love for those who win their affection.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Global warming. Survival of the human species.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Almost stop emitting CO2 and the other greenhouse chemicals.
Today's Date: July 21, 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
"Working" on the farm and in the woods when I was very young with my grandpa. (He was 1/4 Cherokee and tried to teach me everything he knew.)
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Woods and small streams.
Now? Woods and clear streams.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Dogs-unconditional love for those who win their affection.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Global warming. Survival of the human species.
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Almost stop emitting CO2 and the other greenhouse chemicals.
Thaddeus Murdoch
Principle Investigator, Bermuda Reef Ecosystem Assessment and Mapping (BREAM) Project, Bermuda Biodiversity Programme, Bermuda Zoological Society
Today's Date: 21st July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Scuba diving on healthy coral reefs
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Out on shallow reefs in the lagoon in Bermuda
Now? Same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Rainbow parrotfish. They are beautiful, and massive.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Overpopulation combined with environmental misuse such as pollution and land development
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Lessen your footprint.
Today's Date: 21st July 2006
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Scuba diving on healthy coral reefs
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Out on shallow reefs in the lagoon in Bermuda
Now? Same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
Rainbow parrotfish. They are beautiful, and massive.
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
Overpopulation combined with environmental misuse such as pollution and land development
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Lessen your footprint.
Janice D. Boyd
Private Citizen
Today’s Date: 20 July 06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
growing up in a community in the mountains of New Mexico
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
in the woods and mountains behind my home
Now? Valle Grande caldera in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
parrot: they are sooooo intelligent, as well as being pretty and leading interesting lifestyles
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
now: overpopulation ; in the future: increased overpopulation and flow of migrants away from highest population densities into areas of lower density, thus creating uniform misery in the world
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
stabilize and even reduce the population of humans. We have exceeded the long term carrying capacity of the planet, at least for a generally decent lifestyle for all. We are ruining our planet for all life.
The biggest problem is over population, but it is the elephant in the room that few people want to talk about because of some religious groups' selfish positions and some cultures' pursuit of the oppression of women. We need to acknowledge this elephant!
Today’s Date: 20 July 06
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
growing up in a community in the mountains of New Mexico
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
in the woods and mountains behind my home
Now? Valle Grande caldera in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?
parrot: they are sooooo intelligent, as well as being pretty and leading interesting lifestyles
4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?
now: overpopulation ; in the future: increased overpopulation and flow of migrants away from highest population densities into areas of lower density, thus creating uniform misery in the world
5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
stabilize and even reduce the population of humans. We have exceeded the long term carrying capacity of the planet, at least for a generally decent lifestyle for all. We are ruining our planet for all life.
The biggest problem is over population, but it is the elephant in the room that few people want to talk about because of some religious groups' selfish positions and some cultures' pursuit of the oppression of women. We need to acknowledge this elephant!
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