Cristiani Burkard
Today’s Date: 20 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Hunting with my father showed me to respect animals.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, A national park in El Salvador, were I first went camping with my family.
Now? Learned to enjoy every place individually
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
No particular favorite
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?
All forms of pollution. Conservation of biodiversity, and sustainable industry and agriculture.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Respect the environment and do not misuse the natural resources.
Thanks to my sister Michelle McIlroy for designing the logo!
January 10, 2009
Ian Campbell
Private citizen
Today’s Date: 15 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
It is difficult to say what interaction with an animal or nature has had the biggest impact on me in my life.
In my early 20s I helped my older brother on his farm dipping the sheep. This involved driving the sheep into a pool containing chemicals. I think this solution was to kill parasites on the sheep. Something like that anyway. Spillage from the pool unfortunately emptied into a small stream. A couple of days after the sheep were dipped I noticed many dead gilgies in the stream (Gilgies are a small fresh water crustacean found in streams in Western Australia).
It was obvious that the chemicals from the sheep dipping had killed the gilgies downstream. Although gilgies are not cute and cuddly I was much saddened by their deaths. I realised the harm that man could do to the natural environment in his pursuit of making a living.
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?
None
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 to restrain our greed for more and more energy use and to live more balanced lives in tune with nature. Human industry should be more sustainable and less exploitative.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The capitalist system is based on forever expanding economies, marketing new products that are not needed etc. All this threatens the natural environment. We should learn to live with less, to walk gently on the earth. We should be less motivated by making profit.
I live in Melbourne, Australia which has a mild, temperate climate. In winter we have no snow and ice. In summer it gets hot for a few days. In winter people complain about the cold, but it isn't really cold like in Canada or Russia. 95% of the people have heating in their houses, but it isn't really necessary. I don't have any heating, I just wear more clothing to keep warm. In summer it gets hot, so be it. I wear less clothing but I don't need air conditioning. I contribute very little towards global warming because of my low energy usage. I don't own a car. I use public transport or walk.
There is no hardship involved. It is my choice. If I can choose a low energy lifestyle then surely other people can also.
Today’s Date: 15 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
It is difficult to say what interaction with an animal or nature has had the biggest impact on me in my life.
In my early 20s I helped my older brother on his farm dipping the sheep. This involved driving the sheep into a pool containing chemicals. I think this solution was to kill parasites on the sheep. Something like that anyway. Spillage from the pool unfortunately emptied into a small stream. A couple of days after the sheep were dipped I noticed many dead gilgies in the stream (Gilgies are a small fresh water crustacean found in streams in Western Australia).
It was obvious that the chemicals from the sheep dipping had killed the gilgies downstream. Although gilgies are not cute and cuddly I was much saddened by their deaths. I realised the harm that man could do to the natural environment in his pursuit of making a living.
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?
None
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 to restrain our greed for more and more energy use and to live more balanced lives in tune with nature. Human industry should be more sustainable and less exploitative.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
The capitalist system is based on forever expanding economies, marketing new products that are not needed etc. All this threatens the natural environment. We should learn to live with less, to walk gently on the earth. We should be less motivated by making profit.
I live in Melbourne, Australia which has a mild, temperate climate. In winter we have no snow and ice. In summer it gets hot for a few days. In winter people complain about the cold, but it isn't really cold like in Canada or Russia. 95% of the people have heating in their houses, but it isn't really necessary. I don't have any heating, I just wear more clothing to keep warm. In summer it gets hot, so be it. I wear less clothing but I don't need air conditioning. I contribute very little towards global warming because of my low energy usage. I don't own a car. I use public transport or walk.
There is no hardship involved. It is my choice. If I can choose a low energy lifestyle then surely other people can also.
Tim Badman
Special Advisor, World Heritage - IUCN
Today’s Date: 14 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
There has not been one "seminal" moment, but probably as an 1 year old wading up the short river Lym in Dorset from its mouth to its source (or in fact until the water reached over my wellies) was the earliest adventure in wild ... As it seemed then ...
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The Lyme Regis-Axmouth Undercliffs Nature Reserve in the UK
Now? So many places, but nothing beats the Dorset Coast although bobbing around under Golden Cap in a sea kayak is the real perfection
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Cuttlefish ... An animal you can meet while diving that reminds you that underwater there are a lot of smarter brains than you around when it comes to survival
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 biggest challenge has always been, and always will be getting the environment to be a real concern of decision takers .. And that means a real concern of the public ... So engaging people with nature is the challenge ... Everything else flows from that and nothing is sustained without it.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I am a geologist, the point that gets humanity in perspective is to remember that for >99% of the earth's history we have not been part of the picture.. So advice: remember that we have only been on this planet for a tiny number of years. Despite the damage we are doing, we are more vulnerable than it is.
Today’s Date: 14 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
There has not been one "seminal" moment, but probably as an 1 year old wading up the short river Lym in Dorset from its mouth to its source (or in fact until the water reached over my wellies) was the earliest adventure in wild ... As it seemed then ...
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
The Lyme Regis-Axmouth Undercliffs Nature Reserve in the UK
Now? So many places, but nothing beats the Dorset Coast although bobbing around under Golden Cap in a sea kayak is the real perfection
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Cuttlefish ... An animal you can meet while diving that reminds you that underwater there are a lot of smarter brains than you around when it comes to survival
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 biggest challenge has always been, and always will be getting the environment to be a real concern of decision takers .. And that means a real concern of the public ... So engaging people with nature is the challenge ... Everything else flows from that and nothing is sustained without it.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I am a geologist, the point that gets humanity in perspective is to remember that for >99% of the earth's history we have not been part of the picture.. So advice: remember that we have only been on this planet for a tiny number of years. Despite the damage we are doing, we are more vulnerable than it is.
Michelle
Private citizen
Today’s Date: 12 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My dad being cruel to my favourite dog:( Loving that same dog and watching the way it would go my dad if he hit us kids :):):)
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
At the south coast area of Australia near Ulladulla
Now? Anywhere serene I have been to the south pacific islands on a cruise and they are beautiful and the water is such a beautiful colour :):):)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I love a variety of animals unicorns, horses, dolphins and some dogs (the larger breeds) would be my favourites :):):)
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 chopping of the forest for now and the future as we and the animals need the trees for oxygen :):):)
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don’t chop down trees :):):)
Today’s Date: 12 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
My dad being cruel to my favourite dog:( Loving that same dog and watching the way it would go my dad if he hit us kids :):):)
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
At the south coast area of Australia near Ulladulla
Now? Anywhere serene I have been to the south pacific islands on a cruise and they are beautiful and the water is such a beautiful colour :):):)
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I love a variety of animals unicorns, horses, dolphins and some dogs (the larger breeds) would be my favourites :):):)
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 chopping of the forest for now and the future as we and the animals need the trees for oxygen :):):)
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don’t chop down trees :):):)
Ethan Duke
Prospecting grad student
Today’s Date: 11 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Listing to birdsong and spending countless hours in the field during all seasons and in all weather.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes
Now? Yes
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
It’s hard to name just one. I suppose birds draw my greatest interest, but I would say that my favorite animal would be the domestic dog. We have so many connections with them with such long histories. They are expressive and loving, seeming to read us better than we know ourselves. They in turn are easy to love.
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?
So many issues. They culminate and require a broad cultural revolution. People are lazy now-a-days and have odd value systems. The biggest challenge is convincing people that even though change may be difficult we have no other option and the rewards will be beyond our reckoning.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take it one day at a time. The little things make a difference. (Sounds like two pieces of advice, but they are connected).
Today’s Date: 11 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Listing to birdsong and spending countless hours in the field during all seasons and in all weather.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes
Now? Yes
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
It’s hard to name just one. I suppose birds draw my greatest interest, but I would say that my favorite animal would be the domestic dog. We have so many connections with them with such long histories. They are expressive and loving, seeming to read us better than we know ourselves. They in turn are easy to love.
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?
So many issues. They culminate and require a broad cultural revolution. People are lazy now-a-days and have odd value systems. The biggest challenge is convincing people that even though change may be difficult we have no other option and the rewards will be beyond our reckoning.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Take it one day at a time. The little things make a difference. (Sounds like two pieces of advice, but they are connected).
Staffan Widstrand
Wild Wonders of Europe
Today’s Date: 9 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
A close encounter with a mountain gorilla family in the Virunga NP in Zaire/Kongo. Realizing that not only do we think they look like us, but also seeing in their eyes that they think we look like them actually brought me to tears.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, a bird lake in a nature reserve, within bicycle distance from home.
Now? Yes, two: Laponia World Heritage area, in Swedish Lapland, and Lofoten islands on the Norwegian coast.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I don’t have any particular animal as my favourite!
But I tend to be specially attracted to all large predators, both mammals, reptiles, fish and birds...
And to the apes.
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 biggest problem is without any doubt that there are too many of us humans in the world, and that the speed of population growth is so high. It is the no 1 factor behind most wars in the Third World, behind ethnic cleansing and massacres, behind increased food shortage, water shortage, global warming, industrial pollution, poverty, pressure on biodiversity, drinking water pollution, etc.
But almost nobody speaks about this problem.
And a terrible alliance of the Catholic church, the extreme islamists and fundamentalist protestants (like the Bush-administration) are stopping all measures that need to be taken when it comes to family planning, and the use of condoms and other birth control techniques.
There are simply too may of us, and if all these, and the billions coming around the corner, want to have western living standard, there is need for 2-3 more globes. But we just have one.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don’t have more than two children, and in overpopulated countries, don’t have more than one. That is probably the biggest deed any single person or couple can carry out for the world.
Today’s Date: 9 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
A close encounter with a mountain gorilla family in the Virunga NP in Zaire/Kongo. Realizing that not only do we think they look like us, but also seeing in their eyes that they think we look like them actually brought me to tears.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, a bird lake in a nature reserve, within bicycle distance from home.
Now? Yes, two: Laponia World Heritage area, in Swedish Lapland, and Lofoten islands on the Norwegian coast.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I don’t have any particular animal as my favourite!
But I tend to be specially attracted to all large predators, both mammals, reptiles, fish and birds...
And to the apes.
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 biggest problem is without any doubt that there are too many of us humans in the world, and that the speed of population growth is so high. It is the no 1 factor behind most wars in the Third World, behind ethnic cleansing and massacres, behind increased food shortage, water shortage, global warming, industrial pollution, poverty, pressure on biodiversity, drinking water pollution, etc.
But almost nobody speaks about this problem.
And a terrible alliance of the Catholic church, the extreme islamists and fundamentalist protestants (like the Bush-administration) are stopping all measures that need to be taken when it comes to family planning, and the use of condoms and other birth control techniques.
There are simply too may of us, and if all these, and the billions coming around the corner, want to have western living standard, there is need for 2-3 more globes. But we just have one.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Don’t have more than two children, and in overpopulated countries, don’t have more than one. That is probably the biggest deed any single person or couple can carry out for the world.
The Rev. Warren Murphy
Wyoming Association of Churches
Today’s Date: 6 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
Being chased by an agitated black bear
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Yes, the New Jersey Pine Barrens
Now? Grand Teton National Park
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Antelope. They are sleek, fast, independent and yet tied to a herd. They also have a facial expression that "looks into the unknown"
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?
Drilling and making havoc in the public lands. This contributes to future climate change as well as destroying the beauty of landscape
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Care for the earth as if it were a lover. Recognize its needs, wants and desires and work to keep it safe.
Chen ErShan 陈 尔姗
Private citizen (China)
Today’s Date: 7 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
i had traveled to some places which are very cold and high or dry and hot, which are hard for humans to live in. But u can always see plants big or tiny, the point is they are there, giving birth to their offsprings and other lives which are depending on them.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I used to spend my spare time in my city’s zoo… I wish it belongs to “great outdoors”.
Now? I love the Namtso lake so far the most! It is one of the 3 holy lakes in tibet.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Giraffe! Their eyelashes are long and dense. And they appear gently and elegantly for the most time. Silence but won’t be ignored.
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. Still climate change.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
New clothes are fancy, but are not necessarily to buy all the time.
Today’s Date: 7 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
i had traveled to some places which are very cold and high or dry and hot, which are hard for humans to live in. But u can always see plants big or tiny, the point is they are there, giving birth to their offsprings and other lives which are depending on them.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I used to spend my spare time in my city’s zoo… I wish it belongs to “great outdoors”.
Now? I love the Namtso lake so far the most! It is one of the 3 holy lakes in tibet.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
Giraffe! Their eyelashes are long and dense. And they appear gently and elegantly for the most time. Silence but won’t be ignored.
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. Still climate change.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
New clothes are fancy, but are not necessarily to buy all the time.
Jens Brüggemann
Assistant Director Planning - Müritz National Park Authority
Today’s Date: 4 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I have had two most exciting experiences. First, scuba diving off the coast of Gorgona Island National Park, Colombia, where I felt being inmidst the most wonderful aquarium and second, the encounter with a Leopard in Nepal's Chitwan National Park (on the back of an elephant, luckily).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Spending all summer long in the countryside has shaped my love for nature.
Now? Today I am lucky experiencing nature everyday at a lake close to my home. And I am always inspired by the beauty of landscapes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a child, elephants were my favourite animals in the zoo because they were big and intelligent.
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?
1) Alienation from nature due to TV, Internet and lack of outdoor recreation.
2) Unequal access to basic resources and in meeting basic needs.
Both now and in the future, where the battle for clean potable water will be even more prominent.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be a little more conscious about the impact of your doing and try to change your consumer behaviour in order to favour ecological products and services.
Today’s Date: 4 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
I have had two most exciting experiences. First, scuba diving off the coast of Gorgona Island National Park, Colombia, where I felt being inmidst the most wonderful aquarium and second, the encounter with a Leopard in Nepal's Chitwan National Park (on the back of an elephant, luckily).
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
Spending all summer long in the countryside has shaped my love for nature.
Now? Today I am lucky experiencing nature everyday at a lake close to my home. And I am always inspired by the beauty of landscapes.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
As a child, elephants were my favourite animals in the zoo because they were big and intelligent.
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?
1) Alienation from nature due to TV, Internet and lack of outdoor recreation.
2) Unequal access to basic resources and in meeting basic needs.
Both now and in the future, where the battle for clean potable water will be even more prominent.
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
Be a little more conscious about the impact of your doing and try to change your consumer behaviour in order to favour ecological products and services.
Juliette Dupont
Private citizen
Today’s Date: 1 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I was 11, we found a raccoon in our garden (there are no raccoons in France!) and with my parents we made a lot of investigations to know what to do (about the food, the rage, where it could be coming from…). Actually it belonged to people in the next town, who bought it in Germany, and I was really sorry to see that it was living in a small cage, eating cat’s food.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I was often playing in the forest near my village.
Now? There is a meadow near my boyfriend’s village where we go every week, with a lot of flowers and the forest all around it and I think it’s the most peaceful place I’ve ever been.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I love the cat family. I guess it’s because of my own cat but also for their attitude, the way they move.
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 think the global warming is a real big challenge because of all the things that it’s changing.
And it will also affect our future: some species are in real danger because of it ( polar bear…)
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I would say that there is no need to go to the jungle to save species if you don’t feel able to do it but there are simple things that anyone can do at home without stress ( save water, …).
Today’s Date: 1 August 2008
1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
When I was 11, we found a raccoon in our garden (there are no raccoons in France!) and with my parents we made a lot of investigations to know what to do (about the food, the rage, where it could be coming from…). Actually it belonged to people in the next town, who bought it in Germany, and I was really sorry to see that it was living in a small cage, eating cat’s food.
2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?
I was often playing in the forest near my village.
Now? There is a meadow near my boyfriend’s village where we go every week, with a lot of flowers and the forest all around it and I think it’s the most peaceful place I’ve ever been.
3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?
I love the cat family. I guess it’s because of my own cat but also for their attitude, the way they move.
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 think the global warming is a real big challenge because of all the things that it’s changing.
And it will also affect our future: some species are in real danger because of it ( polar bear…)
5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?
I would say that there is no need to go to the jungle to save species if you don’t feel able to do it but there are simple things that anyone can do at home without stress ( save water, …).
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