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Pumpkins are 92% Water and Rich in Vitamins and Minerals   Autumn is the season of harvest and gratitude, whether it be through Thanksgiving in the US, Chuseok in South Korea, or Erntedank fest  in Germany. Accompanying such celebrations are tasty seasonal dishes, including the pumpkin variety. Below are some facts on these large fruits.  According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, global production in the “pumpkins, squash and gourds” category was 22.8 million tons in 2022. Highest production was in Asia (50.5%), followed by Europe (21.2%), the Americas (15.4%), Africa (11.9%), and Oceania (1%).  In the US, over 1 billion pounds  of pumpkins were harvested by the top six producing states.  Morton, Illinois, is called the “ pumpkin capital of the world ” because 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin is packed in the Nestle/Libby’s plant there.  Pumpkin is nutritious  given its vitamin and mineral content, including vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, and magnesium. Pumpkin seeds contain copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc but are high in fat.  Pumpkins are about 92% water  and are winter squashes.  When composting pumpkins   (especially jack-o-lanterns), paint, candles, and wax should be removed beforehand.    Sources:   https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize   [search “pumpkins, squash and gourds”]   https://www.morton-il.gov/citizen-support-center/tourism/   https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin-nutrition-review#nutrition   https://www.ers.usda.gov/newsroom/trending-topics/pumpkins-background-statistics/   https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-pumpkins   https://www.treehugger.com/how-host-pumpkin-smash-and-compost-jack-o-lanterns-4854373

Potential as a Fuel Rises When Paired with Renewable Energy (“Green Hydrogen”)   Hydrogen (H) is the most abundant element  in the universe; it is typically found bonded to carbon (such as hydrocarbons in petroleum) and oxygen (as in water). Hydrogen is not widely used as a fuel at this time .  However, given its energy density, molecular hydrogen (H2) has potential to be used as fuel, especially in conjunction with developments in renewable energy. Below are some facts on hydrogen as an element and fuel.    Hydrogen (H2) condenses into a liquid at -423°F  (-253°C), about just 20°C above absolute zero—the lowest possible temperature.   In comparison to gasoline , hydrogen has almost three times the energy density by mass (120 megajoules (MJ) per kilogram to 44 MJ per kilogram) but only about a fourth by volume (8 MJ per liter to 32 MJ per liter).   As of 2020, 99% of hydrogen  production in the US is from fossil fuels (95% from steam-methane reformation  and 4% from coal gasification). These methods are known as “gray hydrogen” from not removing the resulting carbon dioxide.   When steam-methane reformation is combined with carbon capture and storage, it is termed “ blue hydrogen .”  Only 1% of US hydrogen production is from electrolysis, a form of “ green hydrogen ” that does not use fossil fuels nor produce carbon dioxide (aside from energy costs).  Global hydrogen use reached 95 megatons in 2022 , with the highest use by China (29%). This was followed by North America (17%), the Middle East (13%), India (9%), Europe (8%), and the “rest of the world” (24%).    Sources:   https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/1/hydrogen    https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/07/f76/USDOE_FE_Hydrogen_Strategy_July2020.pdf    https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/hydrogen/   https://www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/pictures/HydrogenProduction_CGEP_FactSheet_052621.pd    https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/ecdfc3bb-d212-4a4c-9ff7-6ce5b1e19cef/GlobalHydrogenReview2023.pdf

The Philippines, India, and Indonesia had Highest Natural Disaster Risk   The Ruhr University Bochum’s Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) and Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft in Germany published the 2024 edition of their annual World Risk Report .  The report’s “WorldRiskIndex,” calculates natural disaster risk of 193 countries based on their exposure (to disasters), vulnerability, susceptibility, lack of coping capacities, and lack of adaptive capacities*.   The Philippines had the highest risk, with a WorldRiskIndex of 46.91.  In contrast, Monaco had the lowest risk, with a WorldRiskIndex of 0.18.  China had the highest “exposure” value of 64.59, but it ranked 22nd overall with a WorldRiskIndex of 21.31.  Many countries in Africa had low exposure but high vulnerability, susceptibility, lack of coping capacities, and lack of adaptive capacities. For example, Central African Republic had the highest vulnerability of 73.86 but ranked 107th overall with a WorldRiskIndex of 3.44 due to a low exposure value.  Among G20 nations, Indonesia and India were ranked second and third high risk overall, with WorldRiskIndex values of 41.13 and 40.96, respectively.   The US ranked 19th overall with a WorldRiskIndex of 22.56.  The EU nation with the highest risk was Italy (48th overall) with a WorldRiskIndex of 11.11.    *See page 43 of the report for more details on each parameter.  **Risk is classified based on ranges of WorldRiskIndex values: very low (0.00–1.84), low (1.85–3.20), medium (3.21–5.87), high (5.88–12.88), and very high (12.99–100.00).    Sources:   Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft / IFHV (2024): WordRiskReport 2024. Berlin: Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft.

UN Report Finds Most Goals “Severely Off Track”   A new UN   report   examines progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from their 2015 baseline to current levels. Among the 135 assessable targets (out of 169), nearly half (48%) had “moderate to severe deviations from the desired trajectory” to 2030 targets. Another 18% experienced “stagnation” and 17% experienced “regression.” Only 17% were considered “on track or target met” by 2030, the UN said in its “sobering” report.  Goal 17, which encompasses global partnerships, funding, and communication efforts to achieve the SDGs, had five “on target or met” progress reports, the most of any of the goals.  Overall, four SDGs had no targets that were on track or met. These included Goal 1 (no poverty), Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation), Goal 13 (climate action), and Goal 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions).  Regarding Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy), installed capacity for renewable electricity generation increased from 250 watts per capita in 2015 to 424 watts per capita in 2022.   Regarding Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities), population-weighted exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) decreased from 39.1 µg/m3 in 2010 to 2014 to 35.7 µg/m3 in 2015 to 2019. However, PM2.5 concentrations increased slightly in Northern Africa, Western Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.  Regarding Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production), e-waste generation increased from 6.3 kilograms per capita in 2015 to 7.8 kilograms per capita in 2022. However, only 1.7 kilograms per capita were collected and recycled properly in 2022.  Regarding Goal 13, developed countries met the annual $100 billion goal for climate finance in 2022 for the first time. However, this is still far from the estimated $6 trillion needed for developing countries by 2030.  Regarding Goal 14 (life below water), proportion of sustainable fish stocks (in other words, “maximally sustainably fished” and “underfished” stocks) decreased from 90% in 1974 to 62.3% in 2021.    Source:   Sachs, J.D., Lafortune, G., Fuller, G. (2024). The SDGs and the UN Summit of the Future. Sustainable Development Report 2024 . Paris: SDSN, Dublin: Dublin University Press.

*By Ellie Gabel When summer fades and autumn arrives, landscapes transform into a vibrant mix of red, yellow, and orange hues as leaves begin to fall. While the sight may be beautiful, it also presents a dilemma—what should be done with the fallen leaves?   Fallen Leaves Are Beneficial Leaf litter refers to organic material, including leaves, twigs, and other plant debris, that fall to the ground. Three layers  comprise leaf litter: the litter layer (with dead leaves), fermenting layer (with rotting leaves), and humus layer (materials that are completely rotted). Over time, leaf litter breaks down through natural processes and becomes a rich humus essential for plant growth.   Leaf litter is vital to forest ecosystems because they provide habitat and food for various organisms. Once leaf litter is colonized by fungi and microorganisms , invertebrates like beetles and earthworms consume and break it down into smaller pieces. This process is crucial as this organic matter is then mixed with and enriches the soil. Leaves left on the ground in yards or wooded areas can also create microhabitats for insects and small animals like frogs, salamanders, and hedgehogs. The cover provided by leaf litter offers shelter for amphibians  and helps retain moisture  in the soil, which is particularly important during dry periods. The Pitfalls of Burning or Landfilling Burning leaves releases harmful pollutants into the air, including particulate matter that can exacerbate asthma-related symptoms  when inhaled. Carbon monoxide and benzo(a)pyrene ( found in cigarette smoke ) are also emitted, the latter which can be a potential factor in lung cancer. When leaves and other organic materials decompose in a landfill under anaerobic (no oxygen) conditions, they produce methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG). According to data  from the US Environmental Protection Agency, yard trimmings (including grass, leaves, and tree and bush trimmings) accounted for 35.4 million tons in municipal solid waste in 2018. Although 22.3 million tons (about 63%) were composted or mulched and 2.6 million tons (about 7.4%) were combusted, the remaining 10.5 million tons (about 29.7%) were landfilled.   When leaves and other organic materials decompose in a landfill under anaerobic (no oxygen) conditions , they produce methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG). Moreover, some leaves (such as from soybeans) are also found to emit nitrous oxide , another GHG. Leaving leaves on streets or sidewalks is also unfavorable, as they can become slippery hazards when wet or frozen. A study found that the timely removal of leaf litter from streets can significantly reduce phosphorus and nitrogen levels  in stormwater runoff. When washed into local waterways, these nutrients can contribute to water pollution and algae blooms, harming aquatic ecosystems. Composting for Soil Health One of the best ways to handle autumn leaves is by composting them.   To compost leaves effectively, it's helpful to shred them down into smaller pieces, allowing for quicker decomposition. This can be done with a leaf shredder or by running over them with a lawnmower. Shredded leaves themselves can also be used for “mulching perennial flower beds, shrub borders, and over tree roots,” with a 2 to 3 inch layer  being ideal.   Having the right ratio of “brown” (carbon) to “green” (nitrogen) is essential for composting, with an ideal (C:N) ratio of 30:1 . Leaves are rich in carbon, with a C:N ratio of 40:1 to 80:1. However, to create a more balanced compost pile, leaves should be mixed with nitrogen-rich "green" materials like grass clippings, vegetable scraps, or coffee grounds.   Having the right ratio of “brown” (carbon) to “green” (nitrogen) is essential for composting, with an ideal (C:N) ratio of 30:1. Nitrogen can also be added through  dried blood, cottonseed meal, or bone meal. However, having too much “green” materials can make the pile smelly and attract nuisance animals. In Toronto, Canada, the city’s leaf composting program diverts 90,000 tons of yard waste  from landfills annually and has gained popularity for its impact on local gardens and green spaces. The program collects leaves from residential areas, processes them into compost, and gives it to the public for free during “ Community Environment Days .” This initiative showcases how communities can turn what might be considered waste into a valuable resource while encouraging sustainable practices.   Many municipalities provide programs that collect leaves for composting or mulching, ensuring they are reused rather than wasted.   Mulching For Weed Control In addition to composting, fallen leaves can be used as mulch, providing multiple ecological benefits. Mulching with leaves helps retain moisture in the soil , prevent erosion, and suppress weeds. In one to two years, [leaves] will naturally break down into a substance known as leaf mold, which can be used as a soil amendment or 2-inch mulch layer. For gardeners, leaving a thin layer of leaves on garden beds can act as a natural mulch  to suppress weeds. If a yard generates more leaves than can be used for compost, excess leaves can be saved for later use by piling them up in a corner of the yard. In one to two years, they will naturally break down into a substance known as leaf mold , which can be used as a soil amendment or 2-inch mulch layer.   By adopting sustainable practices such as composting and mulching, individuals and communities can turn autumn leaves into a beneficial component of the natural world. Rather than seeing leaves as a seasonal nuisance, they should be appreciated for their vital role in supporting soil health and biodiversity. *Ellie Gabel is a freelance writer from North Carolina who specializes in covering the latest innovations in science and technology and how they can be used to better the world we live in. In addition to writing for publications like Power Magazine, Global Trade Magazine, and Electronics360, Ellie is also the associate editor at Revolutionized.com .

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Feasibility Study Says Orbiting Solar-Powered Servers Could Lower Carbon Footprint   Orbiting data centers could deliver more sustainability than their Earth-based counterparts, says a newly released feasibility study  by Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture European aerospace company.  Supplying sustainable energy for servers that process nearly incalculable numbers of AI, cryptocurrency, and blockchain transactions is a pressing environmental challenge. But this is a challenge that needs to be met if Europe hopes to meet its target  of net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.      Along with orbiting solar-powered servers’ potential to lower emissions through energy savings, Thales Alenia Space expects them to deliver a return on investment of several billion euros by 2050, reports   The Wall Street Journal  (WSJ).     The company’s feasibility study is comparing the environmental impacts of space-based data centers—powered by solar energy accessed beyond Earth’s atmosphere—to those of Earth-based data centers, said WSJ.  Called ASCEND, short for “Advanced Space Cloud for European Net zero emission and Data sovereignty,” the project was launched in 2023 and is funded by the European Commission.  The study’s head, Damien Dumestier, said   the company has been coordinating “a consortium of 11 partners since January 2023” with an initial focus on the carbon footprint of Europe’s land-based data centers. He said the team already calculated the continent’s terrestrial data center CO2 equivalent consumption at 20 million tons per year from now until 2030. The ultimate goal, he said, is to target a power capacity of “10 Terawatt-hours (TWh) to cut the energy requirements of Earth-based data centers by 10%.”   Dumestier cited other environmental benefits of housing servers in space. Water consumption, he said, would be “greatly” reduced as space is relatively cold. Keeping servers cool on Earth currently requires “several tens of millions of liters” of water every year, he said.    The project envisions a capacity of 10 MW (megawatts) per orbiting data center, which Dumestier said would require a solar panel surface area of about 35,000 square meters (nearly 377,000 sq. ft). He compared that with the 7,500 square meter (about 80,700 sq. ft) solar panel surface area of the International Space Station, which is nearly one fifth its size.   The orbiting modules required for such a task would be large and heavy, said Dumestier. “We need to make sure that a suitable launch solution can be developed and that the overall structure is as light as possible to minimize the carbon footprint of launch operations. Optimizing payload weight and volume will also be a key challenge,” he added.   In a June press release  announcing the feasibility study’s findings, the company said ASCEND, with help from aerospace launch company ArianeGroup and the European Space Agency, has “validated the feasibility of a launcher capable of conducting multiple launches while mitigating their carbon footprint.” The company said modular units comprising the data centers could be assembled in orbit using robotics.  Dumestier believes projects like ASCEND can advance space technology while lowering the environmental impact of digital technology. Space, he says, is “vital” for Earth’s future. “It offers multiple possibilities to complement terrestrial infrastructures. And it’s an unparalleled asset to better manage the delicate balance between developing human activities and protecting the environment.”  Sources:   WSJ: Putting data centers in space could reduce their carbon footprint   Thales Alenia Space wins EU feasibility study for 'Ascend' space data centers - DCD ( datacenterdynamics.com )   Thales Alenia Space reveals results of ASCEND feasibility study on space data centers | Thales Alenia Space

October Gathering in New York to Feature Session on ‘Nature Education’  The Collaborative for Spirituality in Education  (CSE), in partnership with the Spirituality Mind Body Institute  at Columbia University Teachers College, will convene  a National Conference on Spirituality in Education at the school’s Manhattan campus on the theme of “Awakened Education: Engaging the Spiritual Core.”     Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, the in-person, free-admission gathering will feature expert keynotes and sessions on topics related to the application and impact of spiritualty in education, including a session on “Nature Education.” The conference is geared to educators, practitioners, academics, and others who are interested in “whole person education.”    CSE, which receives support from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, describes its mission as “ nurturing the innate spiritual capacity of educators (independent of any doctrine, ideology, or religion) through enriching activities, engaging discourse, scientific research, and contemplative practices, beginning with childhood and continuing across the lifespan.”      The October conference follows CSE’s “ Awakened Campus Global Conference , ” which was held in March in Europe. Leading global scholars spoke on humanity’s “transcendent relationship with a higher power” and how this can be translated into a scientific, evidence-based solution to post-COVID-19 mental health malaise.     Speakers at the European conference included Spirituality Mind Body Institute founder Lisa Miller*, who is also a professor of psychology and education at Teachers College. In 2015, she was the host of the inaugural CSE conference.    The “Nature Education” session at the upcoming National Conference on Spirituality in Education is likely to address what Prof. Miller and her colleagues have described  as a scarcity of programs that “educate students on how to cultivate a direct and personal relationship with nature.”      Updates and information on the conference, including registration information, can be found at the CSE website .   *Author of the bestseller, The Awakened Brain , Prof. Miller teaches innovative courses such as "The Animal/Human Bond" that highlight the importance of conscious interaction with nature, and the profound connection between animals and human beings. (See The Earth & I , June 22, 2023)

Scientist Urges Homes to Have Air Filtration Devices, Purchased or DIY   Air quality in the United States has  vastly improved  in the last five decades, but smoke from annual wildfires continues to cloud that record, says a professor who studies chemicals and other air pollutants.      “For most of the United States, for all of the pollutants that we’ve been regulating under the Clean Air Act since 1970, concentrations are going down, down, down in most parts of the United States,” says Dr. Tracey Holloway, professor of energy analysis and policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in an interview with SciLine . “But the trends in wildfire smoke are setting us back, and many places are having levels of air pollution in the air that weren’t seen since 1970 or earlier, or even never. And so … the trends in wildfire and their impact on air quality really are a big deal.”    In the recent SciLine interview , Dr. Holloway shared some basics on keeping ahead of unhealthy or hazardous air quality threats by monitoring, staying indoors, and taking advantage of a home air purifier.     She recommends using a phone app for monitoring the current air quality index (AQI), or going to airnow.gov , which is produced by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).     Air quality levels are ranked by color and range from green (good) to purple and maroon (hazardous). In between are yellow, orange, and red. Yellow means moderate or “not quite as good as it could be, but it’s not triggering any health-based standards,” Dr. Holloway explains. Orange means it registers above the limits that the EPA has set for “sensitive groups,” while red “is unhealthy for everyone.”     Dr. Holloway said the “the science behind the health impacts [of air pollution] is really well established.” (See The Earth & I , August 2021). “Your life expectancy gets shorter, heart disease goes up, respiratory disease goes up, birth outcomes can be worse.”     “Lung disease,” Dr. Holloway adds, “would be the most prominent negative outcome associated with many air pollutants, but especially wildfire smoke.”    “Once [the AQI] gets into the red,” she cautions, “everyone can take steps to protect themselves.” The first step is to stay indoors, especially where there is an air filtration system. It does not have to be an expensive air filtration system, she adds. “It actually can be something you make yourself.”    Dr. Holloway recommends an inexpensive, easy-to-construct home air purifier called a Corsi Rosenthal box . Just about anyone can make one; the materials are inexpensive, and they work better than those purchased from a store, says its inventor, Dr. Richard Corsi, dean of UC Davis's College of Engineering (see DIY video here  with written instructions and illustrations in the chart below).  For those who must be outside when there is a nearby hazardous air quality event, Dr. Holloway recommends using “the same kind of masks that we all have following the pandemic” because they are good for filtering the particulate matter found in wildfire smoke  and other air pollutants.    Sources:   https://www.sciline.org/environment-energy/wildfire-smoke-outdoor-air-quality/   https://engineering.ucdavis.edu/news/science-action-how-build-corsi-rosenthal-box   https://youtu.be/hIuH-2naozI   https://www.epa.gov/wildfire-smoke-course/why-wildfire-smoke-health-concern

*By Kate Pugnoli Famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau once stated, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”    One place where the myriad diversity of ocean life can be fully experienced is in a marine sanctuary. A national marine sanctuary  is a designated zone where the marine environment enjoys special protection. Marine sanctuaries are safe havens for complex ecosystems that can provide a variety of species with breeding or feeding grounds as well as protection for coral reefs and kelp forests. Some marine sanctuaries harbor archeological sites or historic shipwrecks.      In the US, there are many marine sanctuaries on both the east and west coasts, the Great Lakes area, and the Gulf of Mexico. Also, there is the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary , an area encompassing 582,250 square miles near the Hawaiian Island chain that is undergoing the process to be officially designated as a protected marine site.     Marine Sanctuaries Around the World   There are many marine sanctuaries around the world, including the Galapagos, Palau, and Thailand, to name just a few. Others include the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area , a 600,000-square-mile zone in Antarctica’s Ross Sea;  Apo Island   in the Philippines; and a 2,677-square-kilometer (about 1,033 square miles) protected area around the Selvagens Islands   near Portugal in the North Atlantic.   Activities at Marine Sanctuaries  Unlike other marine sanctuaries, Hawaii's Papahānaumokuākea is a protected site due to its habitat, species unique to the Hawaiian Island chain, and endangered animals such as monk seals and the Laysan duck. The sanctuary is restricted to specific purposes  and requires protected site special permits. Thus, visits to the Papahānaumokuākea tend to involve scientific research, habitat restoration, or conducting cultural practices, although “virtual visits” are available.   But many other national marine sanctuaries throughout the United States encourage visitors. In Northern California, a popular destination for thousands of visitors every year is the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. According to the Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network , the Monterey Bay Sanctuary is “one of the most productive marine areas in the world.” There are  36 species of marine mammals, over 180 species of seabirds and shorebirds, at least 525 species of fishes, four species of turtles, 31 phyla of invertebrates, and more than 450 species of algae.  Visitors to the waters of this extraordinary marine sanctuary can enjoy  scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and tide pooling, among other activities. Fishing is also a popular pastime in the area, and Monterey has great wildlife viewing, including visitations by whales.   Blue Carbon in Marine Sanctuaries Marine sanctuaries support a variety of ecosystems, all vitally important to the health of seas and their inhabitants. The planet, and consequently human existence itself, is dependent on the health of its waters. Marine ecosystems, like tidal salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrass areas, can store blue carbon , sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigating concerns over climate change.   Marine ecosystems, like tidal salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrass areas, can store blue carbon, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigating concerns over climate change. Challenges at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary  is home to a diverse community of underwater habitats. Additionally, the Keys has the only coral barrier reef in the continental United States and is home to the largest documented contiguous seagrass community in the Northern Hemisphere.   More than 6,000 animal species inhabit the Keys, and there are nine submerged shipwrecks on its Shipwreck Trail. The Keys are a prime location for diving, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. In addition to the coral barrier reef, the Keys also have extensive mangrove-fringed islands where the roseate spoonbill and other species of rare birds seek refuge to nest.   The Keys are also home to approximately 77,000 permanent residents and millions of visitors every year, so protecting the environment is a full-time job.   According to Alexandra Fine, a research specialist of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's Science Team, the staff faces many challenges—such as the special two-day sport lobster fishing event.   “ Our total Marine Sanctuary jurisdiction covers about 253 miles; it is an extensive area for which our team is responsible,” says Fine. “One big challenge we have to face every year is … the lobster sport season, July 24 to July 25. Noncommercial fishermen can catch up to six lobsters a day. It’s a crazy time—and dangerous.”   The recreational lobster “mini-season” carries risk: In the last 10 years, lobster mini-season resulted in “an average of two dive fatalities per season,”  Florida’s Voice reported this June, citing the Divers Alert Network.    Another challenge in the Keys involves boat drivers who damage the coral reefs or research equipment. “We have distributed many buoys for boats to tie up to discourage anchors being dropped on coral reefs,” says Fine. “We also have a number of scientific buoys used to collect data. They are bright yellow and quite large—30-inches [in diameter]. They have no mooring lines, and vessels are not allowed to tie up to them. They are hard to miss if you are paying attention. But boats occasionally hit them and can do some real damage; this also results in data no longer being collected, which impacts our research.”   “But boats occasionally hit [scientific buoys] and can do some real damage; this also results in data no longer being collected, which impacts our research.” Coral Reefs: Another Vital Ecosystem Coral reefs are sometimes referred to as the “rainforests of the sea.” Located throughout the world, coral reef ecosystems are highly biodiverse and a high percentage of marine species—including fish, sea turtles and crustaceans—rely on them for survival. Coral loss is a serious problem—in the Keys, nearly 90%  of the live corals have been lost in the last 40 years, and reef restoration efforts are underway. Mission: Iconic Reefs in the Florida Keys   “Since 2019, when Mission: Iconic Reefs  was started, we have been directing many of our resources to restoring coral reefs in the Keys,” says Fine. “We collaborate with other organizations, including the Coral Restoration Foundation . … We have to determine where corals can be ‘planted.’ We check for diseased corals, and water temperatures need to be monitored. Coral cannot be relocated if it is already too hot.”   “When we find an area of corals that have successful spawning, we have to control where people anchor. A team is constantly checking moorings, so people can tie up boats without damaging coral reefs,” Fine explains. In fact, three temporary special use areas  were set up until October as sites for relocating nursery corals.   “It is a balancing act; we need to consider the science, but also have to include ‘stockholders’—fishers, divers, tourists, the tourism commission. We hold public staff meetings with a committee. If we are creating a new regulation, people can voice their opinion.”   Fine says that coral management includes public involvement as well. “As a research scientist, I look at carbonate chemistry; everything must be research-based. It is a balancing act; we need to consider the science, but also have to include ‘stockholders’—fishers, divers, tourists, the tourism commission. We hold public staff meetings with a committee. If we are creating a new regulation, people can voice their opinion.”  How to Support Marine Sanctuaries There are many ways to care for marine sanctuaries, either on site or from one’s living room. Fine suggests educating oneself about marine environments, participating in beach cleanups, and avoiding single-use plastics. When possible, eat sustainable seafood.   It is easy to be discouraged by gloomy forecasts in the media regarding the future well-being of Earth. But everyone can make a difference. Keeping a positive, forward-looking mindset and participating in workable solutions benefits the planet, and all its inhabitants. *Kate Pugnoli   is an Arizona-based freelance journalist and former educator who works with nonprofit organizations. Her area of interest is in addressing environmental issues impacting marine biodiversity and conservation. For more ways to support marine sanctuaries, visit NOAA’s website: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/may24/eight-ways-to-support-marine-sanctuaries.htm