Ulster Unionist Politician
Today’s Date: 9 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I am very fond of dogs, having owned 2 boxer dogs. I currently keep a parrot and koi carp fish.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
In my childhood I was very fond of getting to the seaside.
Now? I would like to again visit Brisbane, Australia
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I don't have one particular favourite animal. As stated in No. 1 I did own 2 boxer dogs, both of which are now buried in my front lawn with a marble plenth over their grave. I also enjoy keeping koi carp fish and my parrot who I have taught to say a few things.
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?
The greatest environment challenge facing us I believe is pollution both now and in the future. Also the pollution of our waterways.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Treat everyone and everything with respect as all has been given to us by God.
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
October 11, 2008
Katie Joseph
Studio Manager, Joel Sartore Photography
Today’s Date: 9 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My grandmother got me a subscription to Ranger Rick (National Wildlife Federation's kids magazine) when I was a kid. After reading about manatees in the magazine, I adopted one and have been interested in endangered species ever since. As far as a direct interaction with nature, I'd say spending a hefty amount of time in my own back yard influenced me, as did looking at the critters I found there under magnifying glasses and microscopes.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My own back yard.
Now? I love the bike trails in and around town as well as my back yard, but my ultimate favorite outdoors spot is a sinkhole in Brazil that hosts a flock of red and green macaws (Buraco das Araras).
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I would love to meet a lemur because they're so intelligent and unusual, but would definitely pass that up for a chance to meet an elephant. Doug Chadwick's "The Fate of the Elephant" is an excellent read, and kindled that desire in me.
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?
Balancing the needs of the many humans on this planet with the needs of other species. Solving humanitarian problems is the first step in solving environmental problems.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It's simple: don't be wasteful. That applies to everything. It's the way my grandparents lived, and if we all followed their example, there would be a lot less carted off to the landfill every day.
Today’s Date: 9 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My grandmother got me a subscription to Ranger Rick (National Wildlife Federation's kids magazine) when I was a kid. After reading about manatees in the magazine, I adopted one and have been interested in endangered species ever since. As far as a direct interaction with nature, I'd say spending a hefty amount of time in my own back yard influenced me, as did looking at the critters I found there under magnifying glasses and microscopes.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
My own back yard.
Now? I love the bike trails in and around town as well as my back yard, but my ultimate favorite outdoors spot is a sinkhole in Brazil that hosts a flock of red and green macaws (Buraco das Araras).
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I would love to meet a lemur because they're so intelligent and unusual, but would definitely pass that up for a chance to meet an elephant. Doug Chadwick's "The Fate of the Elephant" is an excellent read, and kindled that desire in me.
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?
Balancing the needs of the many humans on this planet with the needs of other species. Solving humanitarian problems is the first step in solving environmental problems.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
It's simple: don't be wasteful. That applies to everything. It's the way my grandparents lived, and if we all followed their example, there would be a lot less carted off to the landfill every day.
Judy Skog
WICEC (Wisconsin Interfaith Climate & Energy Campaign) and Sustain Dane
Today’s Date: 7 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My parents had a cottage on a small lake. I spent hours lying on the dock listening to the water, or in the water, swimming or boating.
We have a dog who needs to be walked daily or else he barks a lot. He gets me outside in all kinds of weather. He is also a wonderful teacher (he pushes my buttons, so I learn what my buttons are.)
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
At the lake.
Now? In my back yard, hanging wash on the clothes line.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I love the meerkats and the panda. I love how social and inquisitive the meerkats are. And the panda is just special.
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?
Our greatest environmental challenge is living in a truly sustainable fashion (where everybody has enough, and not too much). And in order to achieve this, we MUST get out of Iraq. There will be no money for anything until we’re out of Iraq.
Sadly, the greatest challenge of the future may well be how to live with the horrible mess that my generation has made because we left fixing things until too late. I prefer to think that what I am doing makes enough of a difference, and I am educating as many people as I possibly can along the way, but in my heart of hearts it may not be enough.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take the time to understand the problem, and then take the steps needed to protect nature and assure that everyone has enough. That includes eating locally and organic, and starting a garden in your own yard.
Today’s Date: 7 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My parents had a cottage on a small lake. I spent hours lying on the dock listening to the water, or in the water, swimming or boating.
We have a dog who needs to be walked daily or else he barks a lot. He gets me outside in all kinds of weather. He is also a wonderful teacher (he pushes my buttons, so I learn what my buttons are.)
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
At the lake.
Now? In my back yard, hanging wash on the clothes line.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I love the meerkats and the panda. I love how social and inquisitive the meerkats are. And the panda is just special.
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?
Our greatest environmental challenge is living in a truly sustainable fashion (where everybody has enough, and not too much). And in order to achieve this, we MUST get out of Iraq. There will be no money for anything until we’re out of Iraq.
Sadly, the greatest challenge of the future may well be how to live with the horrible mess that my generation has made because we left fixing things until too late. I prefer to think that what I am doing makes enough of a difference, and I am educating as many people as I possibly can along the way, but in my heart of hearts it may not be enough.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take the time to understand the problem, and then take the steps needed to protect nature and assure that everyone has enough. That includes eating locally and organic, and starting a garden in your own yard.
Robin Le Breton
Director, Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research and Conservation Center
Today’s Date: 7 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I was born on a farm in the middle of Africa: I live on a farm in the middle of Brazil - animals and nature all around me, all my life
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
yes there was a place on our farm I used to go to..
Now? of course - though I seldom have time to go there!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
elephants - why? dunno - they’re clever- guess I feel sorry for them because their future is bleak
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?
Roughly speaking, Americans & Europeans constitute 12% of the world’s population and use 60% of its resources. We all want to have the living standards of the Americans - it's impossible - the world doesn't have that many resources. One American uses 6 times the resources of one Chinese. Each Chinese wants to live like an American. What will happen if they do? Is this what we should be working towards?
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Ask yourself why Man should be the only exception to the basic rule of nature that every creature may take from nature exactly what it needs to satisfy its physical needs
Today’s Date: 7 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I was born on a farm in the middle of Africa: I live on a farm in the middle of Brazil - animals and nature all around me, all my life
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
yes there was a place on our farm I used to go to..
Now? of course - though I seldom have time to go there!
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
elephants - why? dunno - they’re clever- guess I feel sorry for them because their future is bleak
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?
Roughly speaking, Americans & Europeans constitute 12% of the world’s population and use 60% of its resources. We all want to have the living standards of the Americans - it's impossible - the world doesn't have that many resources. One American uses 6 times the resources of one Chinese. Each Chinese wants to live like an American. What will happen if they do? Is this what we should be working towards?
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Ask yourself why Man should be the only exception to the basic rule of nature that every creature may take from nature exactly what it needs to satisfy its physical needs
Wayne Stroessner
Past President, Wisconsin Interfaith Climate & Energy Campaign (WICEC) (www.wicec.org)
Today’s Date: 7 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The entire wonder of nature, nothing specifically.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Mostly down by the local river.
Now? Mostly at the lake where we live.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I have none in particular, but I do enjoy watching birds at my feeder.
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?
Solving the energy crisis and eliminating the burning of fossil fuels.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Our creator has given us a planet and asked us “to keep it.” That’s stewardship!
Today’s Date: 7 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
The entire wonder of nature, nothing specifically.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Mostly down by the local river.
Now? Mostly at the lake where we live.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I have none in particular, but I do enjoy watching birds at my feeder.
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?
Solving the energy crisis and eliminating the burning of fossil fuels.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Our creator has given us a planet and asked us “to keep it.” That’s stewardship!
Willard Lee (Reverend)
Order Of Buddhist Contemplatives
Today’s Date: 5 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Two dogs I grew up with from the age of six.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Probably the seaside in general. Soft sandy type beaches.
Now? The South Devon coast, where my mum lives.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dogs (domesticated), because of the emotional ties formed during childhood. The attention they give; their dependency on you, i.e. a dog is something to love. Hopefully a dog loves to play, not all do, and is quite naughty from time to time.
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?
To look at realistically, what can be done to cause the least harm to the environment whilst accepting that life must go on. We live in the times we live in, and they are not wrong. For me living responsibly and sensitively, looking and learning; whist getting on with life without guilt about the consequences of say, driving a car; is enough. Personal responsibility without polemic, I'm glad that people do try to raise our awareness about our impact on the environment and that experts find wise ways to try to find practical solutions, this is essential, and part of the process of waking up to our connectednesss with the universe and, I believe environmental fundamentalism / activism is not the way forward.
For the future, to continue and develop the process of awakening that is already happening, and to recognize that it is already happening, it's not all bad news. Things may not be going at the pace we think they should, but within the conditions of society that we have; what can actually be done?
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Try not to be greedy, careless within things.
Today’s Date: 5 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Two dogs I grew up with from the age of six.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Probably the seaside in general. Soft sandy type beaches.
Now? The South Devon coast, where my mum lives.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Dogs (domesticated), because of the emotional ties formed during childhood. The attention they give; their dependency on you, i.e. a dog is something to love. Hopefully a dog loves to play, not all do, and is quite naughty from time to time.
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?
To look at realistically, what can be done to cause the least harm to the environment whilst accepting that life must go on. We live in the times we live in, and they are not wrong. For me living responsibly and sensitively, looking and learning; whist getting on with life without guilt about the consequences of say, driving a car; is enough. Personal responsibility without polemic, I'm glad that people do try to raise our awareness about our impact on the environment and that experts find wise ways to try to find practical solutions, this is essential, and part of the process of waking up to our connectednesss with the universe and, I believe environmental fundamentalism / activism is not the way forward.
For the future, to continue and develop the process of awakening that is already happening, and to recognize that it is already happening, it's not all bad news. Things may not be going at the pace we think they should, but within the conditions of society that we have; what can actually be done?
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Try not to be greedy, careless within things.
John Hourston
Blue Planet Society
Today’s Date: 3 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Travelling for 15,000 km through southern and central Africa and seeing the wild animals and plants of that region.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The sea. Always fascinated with water and what lives in it.
Now? The sea. To help save what lives in it.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Marlin. An amazing fish that should be on a par with the tiger in conservation terms.
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?
Overfishing. Climate change grabs all the headlines but believe me the impact of overfishing will be just as devastating. Worse so in the near future.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't eat wild marine life.
Today’s Date: 3 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Travelling for 15,000 km through southern and central Africa and seeing the wild animals and plants of that region.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The sea. Always fascinated with water and what lives in it.
Now? The sea. To help save what lives in it.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Marlin. An amazing fish that should be on a par with the tiger in conservation terms.
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?
Overfishing. Climate change grabs all the headlines but believe me the impact of overfishing will be just as devastating. Worse so in the near future.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don't eat wild marine life.
Andrew Rudin
Owner, Energy Management
Today’s Date: 2 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Spending summers at Joes Pond, West Danville, Vermont
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Same
Now? Same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I think zoos are jails for animals. I don't have a favorite animal. I raise White Cloud Mountain Minnows, which is a small fish.
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?
The release of carbon too quickly into the atmosphere.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Turn everything off.
Today’s Date: 2 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Spending summers at Joes Pond, West Danville, Vermont
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Same
Now? Same
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I think zoos are jails for animals. I don't have a favorite animal. I raise White Cloud Mountain Minnows, which is a small fish.
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?
The release of carbon too quickly into the atmosphere.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Turn everything off.
Markus Hoffmann
Agricola Aiko de Talamanca, S.A. (Costa Rica)
Today’s Date: 2 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
maybe an owl that sat about 5 m in front of me and my girlfriend in the Costa Rican rainforest. Huge, impressive, beautyful, absolutely silent. A white rhino that almost - accidentally - attacked us in South africa was also quite stunning experience...
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, the alps.
Now? the alps, the atlantic ocean around Galicia, the Costa Rica Rainforest
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
There’s no one favorite animal - i like the interaction of all life.
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
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
think about what you really need and limit yourself to that. If there’s something you really need (to do), do it with the least impact possible.
Today’s Date: 2 July 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
maybe an owl that sat about 5 m in front of me and my girlfriend in the Costa Rican rainforest. Huge, impressive, beautyful, absolutely silent. A white rhino that almost - accidentally - attacked us in South africa was also quite stunning experience...
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, the alps.
Now? the alps, the atlantic ocean around Galicia, the Costa Rica Rainforest
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
There’s no one favorite animal - i like the interaction of all life.
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
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
think about what you really need and limit yourself to that. If there’s something you really need (to do), do it with the least impact possible.
Ilan Kelman
I am answering this survey as an individual.
Today’s Date: 28 June 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Seeing the contrast between the environment of megacities and that of undeveloped places.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
No
Now? No
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I do not have a favorite animal.
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?
Both now and the future, it is our individual and societal values with respect to the environment in that other priorities tend to be far higher than living appropriately with the only environment that we have: Planet Earth.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect our role, as individuals and as a species, within the wider environment because that will not only help Planet Earth, but it will also help us as individuals and as a species.
Today’s Date: 28 June 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Seeing the contrast between the environment of megacities and that of undeveloped places.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
No
Now? No
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I do not have a favorite animal.
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?
Both now and the future, it is our individual and societal values with respect to the environment in that other priorities tend to be far higher than living appropriately with the only environment that we have: Planet Earth.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect our role, as individuals and as a species, within the wider environment because that will not only help Planet Earth, but it will also help us as individuals and as a species.
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