World Turtle Day: Climate change and the effect on sea turtles
Sea turtles live in the water and on land. This makes them, and most turtle species, especially vulnerable to climate change. Their nesting habitats will be disrupted by rising sea levels. Coral bleaching is already impacting sea turtles food source. In Canada, the Leatherback turtle is already endangered. Polluted waters are destroying turtles homes. With so much plastic pollution in our waters, turtles and other marine species are becoming sick or injured by all the garbage floating around. Oil spills threaten to pollute even more watersheds. Pollution and man-made climate change threaten turtles everyday, but one organization wants to save as many as they can.
Sea turtles live in the water and on land. This makes them, and most turtle species, especially vulnerable to climate change. Their nesting habitats will be disrupted by rising sea levels. Coral bleaching is already impacting sea turtles food source. In Canada, the Leatherback turtle is already endangered. Polluted waters are destroying turtles homes. With so much plastic pollution in our waters, turtles and other marine species are becoming sick or injured by all the garbage floating around. Oil spills threaten to pollute even more watersheds. Pollution and man-made climate change threaten turtles everyday, but one organization wants to save as many as they can.
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
I urge all climate deniers to write down their reservations; make a list of why you believe climate change is not real. Then visit Skeptical Science and I assure you that your questions will all be answered. Skepticism is a process. Denial is a position. CLICK HERE to visit Skeptical Science!
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
I urge all climate deniers to write down their reservations; make a list of why you believe climate change is not real. Then visit Skeptical Science and I assure you that your questions will all be answered. Skepticism is a process. Denial is a position. CLICK HERE to visit Skeptical Science!
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
How to
prepare pets for a natural disaster: Climate change increases the likelihood
of disasters for the entire family
Most of us don’t think about how to prepare ourselves for a natural disaster, let alone our pets. After the recent mass flooding event in the Ottawa Valley, it’s clear that disasters can happen close to home. Instead of having the mentality that ‘this can’t happen to me,’ most Ontario and Quebec residents have been faced with the reality that disaster can hit close to home.
Sustainable tourism: International Day of Biological Diversity
May 22, 2017- We often think of diversity in a cultural way, but diversity is also important in nature. The United Nations proclaimed May 22 to be International Day of Biological Diversity to raise awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for 2017 is Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism. Species and ecological biodiversity is important to the tourism industry. Rising sea levels due to rapid climate change will put many coastal resorts out of business. Natural wonders and events in nature will also be impacted by climate change. Taking the right steps toward a sustainable future means transitioning industries like tourism to renewable energy.
May 22, 2017- We often think of diversity in a cultural way, but diversity is also important in nature. The United Nations proclaimed May 22 to be International Day of Biological Diversity to raise awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for 2017 is Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism. Species and ecological biodiversity is important to the tourism industry. Rising sea levels due to rapid climate change will put many coastal resorts out of business. Natural wonders and events in nature will also be impacted by climate change. Taking the right steps toward a sustainable future means transitioning industries like tourism to renewable energy.
Endangered animals of Canada: National Endangered Species Day
Did you know the adorable sea otter that you love watching on YouTube was once endangered in Canada? It's true. The Sea Otter is starting to make a comeback as populations start to increase, but the same can't be said for all the other endangered creatures in the great, white north. Over 500 species in Canada are dangerously close to extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, poaching, climate change, invasive species, and unsustainable harvesting. Many scientific organizations are using renewable energy to help with species loss, citing climate change as one of the greatest threats to endangered species.
Did you know the adorable sea otter that you love watching on YouTube was once endangered in Canada? It's true. The Sea Otter is starting to make a comeback as populations start to increase, but the same can't be said for all the other endangered creatures in the great, white north. Over 500 species in Canada are dangerously close to extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, poaching, climate change, invasive species, and unsustainable harvesting. Many scientific organizations are using renewable energy to help with species loss, citing climate change as one of the greatest threats to endangered species.
Lungs of the Earth: Plant some trees on National Love a Tree Day
Hug a tree today, because it' National Love a Tree Day! Deforestation plays a huge part in man-made climate change. Trees are our natural carbon filters; they are the lungs of the planet. Not only are we putting more carbon in the atmosphere for our trees to filter, but we are also reducing the size of our filter, to make room for roads, factory farming and consumer agriculture. So on National Love a Tree Day I urge you to subscribe to TreeEra, a tree planting service that will lower your carbon footprint!
Hug a tree today, because it' National Love a Tree Day! Deforestation plays a huge part in man-made climate change. Trees are our natural carbon filters; they are the lungs of the planet. Not only are we putting more carbon in the atmosphere for our trees to filter, but we are also reducing the size of our filter, to make room for roads, factory farming and consumer agriculture. So on National Love a Tree Day I urge you to subscribe to TreeEra, a tree planting service that will lower your carbon footprint!
TreeEra gives back to the Earth on your behalf. It’s easy and affordable. TreeEra is simple and positive action. Receive 20% off your first month subscription with the Paws For Reaction coupon code!
PROMO CODE: PAWSANDTREES
PROMO CODE: PAWSANDTREES
PROMO CODE: PAWSANDTREES
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
"There is a direct influence of global warming on precipitation. Increased heating leads to greater evaporation and thus surface drying, thereby increasing the intensity and duration of drought. However, the water holding capacity of air increases by about 7% per 1°C warming, which leads to increased water vapor in the atmosphere. Hence, storms, whether individual thunderstorms, extratropical rain or snow storms, or tropical cyclones, supplied with increased moisture, produce more intense precipitation events." CLICK HERE to read the full report.
"There is a direct influence of global warming on precipitation. Increased heating leads to greater evaporation and thus surface drying, thereby increasing the intensity and duration of drought. However, the water holding capacity of air increases by about 7% per 1°C warming, which leads to increased water vapor in the atmosphere. Hence, storms, whether individual thunderstorms, extratropical rain or snow storms, or tropical cyclones, supplied with increased moisture, produce more intense precipitation events." CLICK HERE to read the full report.
Climate Change: The effects on companion animals
Today I did a presentation for TEAM 54 ROJECT, a non-profit environmental group, about the effects that climate change has on companion animals, specifically dogs and cats. You can view the full presentation on you tube, or on the Paw For Reaction Facebook page!
Today I did a presentation for TEAM 54 ROJECT, a non-profit environmental group, about the effects that climate change has on companion animals, specifically dogs and cats. You can view the full presentation on you tube, or on the Paw For Reaction Facebook page!
Pet insurance: What
is a pre-existing condition?
Pet Insurance: What is a pre-existing condition?
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It’s always recommended to purchase pet insurance when you
adopt a puppy or kitten. They are fresh and new, and in most cases in perfect
health. It’s a clean slate and will likely get you the best monthly rate for
your new pet’s insurance. But let’s face it, we don’t always bring home an
infant pet with that ‘new puppy smell.’ A lot of pet parents rescue or adopt adult
pets. Even if the pet has previous medical history, that shouldn’t deter you
from purchasing pet insurance. The best thing you can do is to arm yourself
with the knowledge of what coverage you will receive, and why certain claims
may be denied.
A common reason why pet owner’s insurance claims are denied
is because of a pre-existing condition, also sometimes referred to as a
foreseeable condition. It’s very important to make sure that you research what
your insurance company considers a pre-existing condition, because the
definition may vary from company to company. Most commonly a pre-existing
condition is defined as something your pet has been diagnosed with or have
shown symptoms of before you signed up for your insurance policy. Hazel's broken femur would have been considered a pre-existing condition because she had it ever since we took ownership of her.
A pre-existing condition can be something that your pet’s
doctor treated, and it can also include something diagnosed by a shelter, your
breeder or a previous owner. A pre-existing condition can also be something
diagnosed or treated while you are waiting for your insurance coverage to
become effective. Either way, a pre-existing condition will almost always affect
your coverage, so knowing the policy and your pet’s potential pre-existing
condition is important before you select an insurance company for your pet.
Many pet insurance companies also have something called a
bilateral condition in their policy terms and conditions. Pet Secure defines a
bilateral condition as “any condition affecting body parts of which your pet
has two; one on each side of the body.” Examples of this are limbs, ears and
eyes. If your dog has a torn cruciate ligament on the left leg as a
pre-existing condition and the right cruciate tears, then the right cruciate
will be considered a bilateral condition and will not be covered. Even if the
right cruciate tear happens after the policy is already effective.
When purchasing pet insurance, you will also want to look into whether your policy will cover a pre-existing condition that has been cured. Some insurance policies will provide coverage for such things that can be cured, like a urinary tract infection for example. The policy may have stipulations about the UTI, and may require no symptoms or treatment for a certain amount of time. But if your pet has had a UTI that has been cured, then it would be recommended to look into this because if the same issue occurs after a year of perfect health you may be able to get coverage for the UTI.
Some pet insurance companies may request you to do certain
testing or diagnostics after they have reviewed your pet’s medical history.
Blood work for example may be required before your policy will take effect.
Like a human insurance company, you will be required to answer questions about
your pet’s medical history. Once you send in your pet’s medical history and
meet all the requirements the company will inform you of your policy, coverage
and monthly rate. At this time most insurance companies will let you know what
exclusions will be made with your policy, and what they consider to be your
pet’s pre-existing conditions.
Shopping for pet insurance can seem complicated. Once you select the plan you would prefer, talk to a
representative about your coverage and start the application process. Shop,
compare and don’t despair- your pet can still get affordable rates and good
coverage with a pre-existing condition!
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
In 2014 the Canadian government released a report titled Canada In a Changing Climate: Sector Perspectives on Impacts and Adaptation. The report details the effects climate change will have on all sectors including water and transportation infrastructure. Findings show a trend in precipitation and melting sea ice, causing more intense rainstorms and flooding. With all of the flooding in Gatineau, the Ottawa Valley and other parts of Ontario, it is hard to deny that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Ottawa University climate scientist Paul Beckwith recently informed CBC that climate change has a large part to play in the recent flooding. "We've changed the chemistry of the atmosphere and the oceans with our greenhouse gases, so we're seeing the consequences of this now," he told CBC. "It's only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak."
The Canada In a Changing Climate report details the future projected trend in these heavy rainfall and flooding incident. According to CTV parts of Ontario and Quebec are seeing record breaking rainfall. Although climate change is inevitable, if we drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions we can slow the process and secure a liveable planet for future generations.
“The climate is changing – in Canada and throughout the
world. Globally, international assessments continue to identify rising air and
ocean temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, shrinking glaciers,
declining snow cover and sea ice extent, rising sea level and changes in
extreme events (IPCC, 2013). While rates of change vary from one indicator to
another, the directions of change are consistent with climate warming, and
climate models project that many of the observed trends will continue over the
coming decades and beyond. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs; mitigation)
is necessary to lessen the magnitude and rate of climate change, but additional
impacts are unavoidable, even with aggressive global mitigation efforts, due to
inertia in the climate system,” the report states. CLICK HERE to view the full report!
In 2014 the Canadian government released a report titled Canada In a Changing Climate: Sector Perspectives on Impacts and Adaptation. The report details the effects climate change will have on all sectors including water and transportation infrastructure. Findings show a trend in precipitation and melting sea ice, causing more intense rainstorms and flooding. With all of the flooding in Gatineau, the Ottawa Valley and other parts of Ontario, it is hard to deny that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Ottawa University climate scientist Paul Beckwith recently informed CBC that climate change has a large part to play in the recent flooding. "We've changed the chemistry of the atmosphere and the oceans with our greenhouse gases, so we're seeing the consequences of this now," he told CBC. "It's only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak."
The Canada In a Changing Climate report details the future projected trend in these heavy rainfall and flooding incident. According to CTV parts of Ontario and Quebec are seeing record breaking rainfall. Although climate change is inevitable, if we drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions we can slow the process and secure a liveable planet for future generations.
National Wildflower Week: How to attract Monarch butterflies to your garden
Spring is here and the wildflowers are budding and blooming. Wildflowers are more than just beautiful and sweet smelling. Wildflowers support entire ecosystems, promote biodiversity and sustain life. Bees and butterflies work with the wildflowers to pollinate their habitat. Wildflowers play an important part in the balance of nature. May 7 - 13 is National Wildflower Week and when I think of wildflowers, I automatically think of the Monarch butterfly. Like many people in Ontario, the Monarch butterfly holds a very special spot in my heart, over all other butterflies. Sadly, I see less Monarch's now than I did when I was growing up. A decline in Monarch butterflies puts a lot of strain on our ecosystem. 90 per cent of the world's plants rely on pollinators like bees and butterflies for reproduction and fertilization, inducing common plants that feed our nation.
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
There is quite a lot of flooding across North America this week, even in the Ottawa Valley. Unfortunately, we need to get used to it, as this is our new normal. Water levels rising will become a worldwide concern. Sea level rise is happening faster since the industrial revolution. Climate change is a threat to coastal communities and businesses. Many indigenous tribes that live on the coasts will be deeply impacted and not have the means or money to relocate. CLICK HERE to learn more about climate change and it's impact on sea level rise from the NASA!
There is quite a lot of flooding across North America this week, even in the Ottawa Valley. Unfortunately, we need to get used to it, as this is our new normal. Water levels rising will become a worldwide concern. Sea level rise is happening faster since the industrial revolution. Climate change is a threat to coastal communities and businesses. Many indigenous tribes that live on the coasts will be deeply impacted and not have the means or money to relocate. CLICK HERE to learn more about climate change and it's impact on sea level rise from the NASA!
How to dog proof your backyard
How to dog proof your backyard this summer
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To your dog, the backyard is like a safe space, the canine
equivalent of his bedroom. It is a place to play, relax and feel at home, and
is not often associated with danger. Sadly, many dogs have ended up in the
emergency room, falling victim to something that was in their own backyard.
That is why it is so important to dog proof the backyard using these tips!
People's Climate March: Ottawa joins global climate change protest
April 29, 2017-Today was another proud day for science in Ottawa. A large group gathered at Ottawa City Hall for the People's Climate March, which ended at the US Embassy. The protest was part of a global movement to advance climate change solutions and protect our clean air and drinking water. It coincided with President Trump's 100th day in office. I marched in hopes that the government will start taking climate change seriously and admit that the science is settled. I marched to ask the government to stop investing in pipelines and start investing in clean energy. Climate change is real. The debate among scientists about mankind's impacts on the planet is over. We must act now.
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
Species that are forced to migrate are not always able to evolve fast enough to survive in their new ecosystems. The American Pika is an example of a species being affected in this way by climate change. The Pika has already disappeared from over one-third of its original habitat. CLICK HERE to learn more!
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
Species that are forced to migrate are not always able to evolve fast enough to survive in their new ecosystems. The American Pika is an example of a species being affected in this way by climate change. The Pika has already disappeared from over one-third of its original habitat. CLICK HERE to learn more!
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
The great dog food debate: Clean eating is great for people, but what about our pets?
If you are a dog owner, you have likely taken part in the great dog food debate of the new millennium. What do I feed my dog? Veterinary food? Holistic diets? Raw? The way we feed our pets has changed dramatically since the industrial revolution- especially the past 10 years. Dogs used to eat scraps. Even retail dog kibble was just scraps, basically. Fast forward to 2017 and dogs have become true members of the family. They aren’t chained up outside and fed scraps anymore. They have beds, outfits, playdates- even sunglasses! The money people spend on their dogs has increased, and pet owners are more concerned than ever with the quality of their dog’s diet.
Get Outside: Birding and bio-diversity in my backyard
Today was a beautiful day in Ontario and I spent it bird watching, listening to the sounds of nature. This woodpecker was one of the friends I made today. According to Nature Canada, climate change is affecting birds in many different ways. Climate change can "alter distribution, abundance, behaviour, and even the genetic composition" of birds, and it also affects their breeding and migration habits.
Today was a beautiful day in Ontario and I spent it bird watching, listening to the sounds of nature. This woodpecker was one of the friends I made today. According to Nature Canada, climate change is affecting birds in many different ways. Climate change can "alter distribution, abundance, behaviour, and even the genetic composition" of birds, and it also affects their breeding and migration habits.
Photos: March for Science in Ottawa on Earth Day 2017
April 22, 2017- Hundreds of scientists and citizens rallied at Parliament Hill on Earth Day for the March for Science, to show their support for the scientific community. The March for Science is part of a global movement, with over 600 events planned worldwide and 20 of those events taking place in Canada. Evidence for Democracy hosted the Ottawa March for Science. The group held a sign making party on April 12 to prepare.
Earth Day wisdom
Happy Earth Day everyone! Celebrating mother Earth today with some first nations poetry to share with you all. Hope to see all my Ottawa Valley friends at the March for Science in Ottawa today!
"The Great Spirit is in all things:
He is in the air we breathe.
The Great Spirit is our father,
but the Earth is our Mother.
She nourishes us;
that which we put into the ground
she returns to us."
—BIG THUNDER (Bedagi), WABANAKI ALGONQUIN
Happy Earth Day everyone! Celebrating mother Earth today with some first nations poetry to share with you all. Hope to see all my Ottawa Valley friends at the March for Science in Ottawa today!
"The Great Spirit is in all things:
He is in the air we breathe.
The Great Spirit is our father,
but the Earth is our Mother.
She nourishes us;
that which we put into the ground
she returns to us."
—BIG THUNDER (Bedagi), WABANAKI ALGONQUIN
Mother Earth photo by Andre Vandal Flickr |
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
What renewable energy commitments has your city made? Cities and urban areas are responsible for 70-75% of global CO2 emissions. Vancouver is a city of 600,000 people, yet Vancouver is committing to going green, and is encouraging Canada to invest in renewables and become energy independent. Thank you Vancouver! CLICK HERE to learn more about Vancouver's commitment!
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
What renewable energy commitments has your city made? Cities and urban areas are responsible for 70-75% of global CO2 emissions. Vancouver is a city of 600,000 people, yet Vancouver is committing to going green, and is encouraging Canada to invest in renewables and become energy independent. Thank you Vancouver! CLICK HERE to learn more about Vancouver's commitment!
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
Celebrate Earth Day: Raise awareness about the Monarch butterfly
Tomorrow everyone who loves Mother Nature comes together to protect her! April 22 is Earth Day and the Monarch butterflies need our help! They are at risk from climate change. Share this photo to raise awareness! CLICK HERE to learn more!
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A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 12 years! Ottawa-based pet care and nutrition, environmental, and lifestyle blog- always searching for the best in pet care, eco-friendly products and fun local events! Come explore with Hazel, the Saint Bernese, as she lives her best, food-driven, outdoor-loving, asymmetrical, #DogLife
ABOUT ME: I have nine years of experience working in veterinary medicine. I'm a Climate Reality Project Leader and have spent years volunteering with organizations including OSPCA, Farley Foundation, Ontario Nature, Future Ground Network, and Girl Guides of Canada.
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