Global Citizenship
With the world on edge due to the coronavirus pandemic, it appears that social distancing and mandatory shut-ins have affected the Venice canal waters. The waters are crystal-clear, which has led to the sights of swans, fish and dolphins. Italy has been locked down since March 8, which means the tourist hotspots of the streets and canal are empty. The water is typically full of debris and cloudy matter thanks to the infamous gondolas that tourists tend to partake in. However, with all this on hiatus, marine life is enjoying the waters allowing residents to sit back and enjoy from the comforts of their home. If one looks for the lights at the end of the rainbow or the silver lining in a worldwide crisis, this would be it! Italians took to Twitter to share and celebrate the news, with some locals saying nature is taking back its space amid [...]
Our planet is currently experiencing an unprecedented phenomenon. The outbreak of COVID-19, or coronavirus, is spreading rapidly and the death toll is rising.
Thailand is just one example, and the animal tourism industry is booming worldwide. But what impact is it really having on the animals and the local ecosystems?
Imagine a bi-partisan dinner with U.S. Senators and Representatives at the Library of Congress with leading contemporary historians and a billionaire patriotic philanthropist. Then image an evening of enlightened discussions about American history without the presence of media or political jockeying.
After the 2013 release of the documentary Blackfish, SeaWorld made some significant changes. It terminated its orca breeding program. It ended all the whale dancing and kissing orca performances. The company also changed how people interacted with the animals, making it more educational rather than entertainment. The latest SeaWorld change includes ending “dolphin surfing tricks” park trainers would do in the shows. Dolphin surfing is where the trainers would ride on the backs or snouts of two swimming dolphins, standing up. The company said it sent its decision to eliminate the theatrics of the dolphin shows to the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the letter, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had asked its shareholders to vote in ending the dolphin shows at the park. PETA holds more than 160 shares of SeaWorld stock. The letter details the company’s plans in which it would no longer surf [...]
The Australian bushfire season for 2019/2020 has been the worst on record. Globally, news reports have tried to capture the enormity of the situation, often falling short. Red, orange, and black smother the traditional Australian green-and-gold. And yet, from the ashes, there is a sprout of new growth; as a few green shoots are found in the burnt-out bush, there are also seedlings of hope for the affected communities.
As Australia’s wildfires continue to rage on, the massive blaze may have an impact on the entire world. While the rainfall the area received was celebrated, NASA expects the fires’ smoke will make a complete circle around the world. It’s already being seen in the New Zealand region, turning the sky into an ashy color and discoloring glaciers. By Jan. 8, the smoke had made its way to South America, where skies became hazy with technicolor sunsets and sunrises. NASA believes the clouds that developed will make its way all the way back to Australia. For now, the fires don’t appear to be slowing down. To date, over 17 million acres of land have been scorched, nearly 30 people killed, endangered 500 million animals and destroyed hundreds to thousands of buildings (homes and businesses). If you plan to visit Australia, there is no reason to cancel the trip. In [...]
Six tourists were arrested for allegedly defecating and damaging a sacred temple at the Machu Picchu sanctuary in Peru. Wilbert Leyva, Cusco regional police chief, said the six tourists, one a French woman, were detained and the public ministry investigating them for the suspected crime against cultural heritage.
As travelers seek ways to minimize their impact on the environment while moving about the globe, Amtrak trains are standing out as an increasingly desirable option. The eco-friendliness of this transportation option is a big selling point, as the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that trains use about 50 percent less fuel per passenger than cars and 33 percent less than planes for the same trips.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck portrayers at Walt Disney World have all filed police reports on claims tourists are inappropriately touching them.
Around the world, a lot of countries build their economies around tourism, as travelers get to boost local businesses. However, the same tourists can also be the reason for a place's demise. One classic example is Thailand's Maya Bay, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio's The Beach. Because of the massive influx of tourists, it had to be shut down so it could undergo rehabilitation. Sadly, rowdy tourists are a phenomenon everywhere on the planet—whether it’s the streets of Croatia or luxury resorts in Greece.
I sat at the edge of the little fishing boat, peering down into the clear Bahamian sea to spot my husband. Under the water, I could make out his shape as he took careful aim with his Hawaiian sling.
