Marine Mammals
What are the current impacts of climate change on marine life according to the UN Environmental Program?
According to the UN Environmental Program, the situation is deteriorating rapidly due to very hot ocean temperatures in recent years. The impact is so severe that projections indicate a quarter of all marine life will be gone by the end of the century if current trends continue. This alarming data reflects the unprecedented rate of warming since the mid-20th century, which is causing significant biodiversity loss in our oceans. While 'An Inconvenient Truth' had some incomplete or overstated elements, the fundamental climate warnings appear to have been accurate or even understated compared to current reality.
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ABC News
04:02 - 04:25
How accurate were Al Gore's predictions about coral reefs and marine life in 'An Inconvenient Truth'?
Al Gore's prediction about coral reefs experiencing species loss at 1000 times the natural variability rate still stands today, but the situation has actually worsened. Recent years have seen very hot oceans, and according to the UN Environmental Program, marine life loss is accelerating dramatically. The impact is so severe that by the end of the century, a quarter of all marine life is projected to disappear. While 'An Inconvenient Truth' contained some incomplete or overstated elements, Gore's core message about unprecedented warming rates and marine ecosystem damage has proven largely accurate, with current conditions often exceeding his original warnings.
Watch clip answer (00:33m)
ABC News
03:52 - 04:25
What happened to the gray seal found in New Haven, Connecticut?
A six-week-old gray seal was discovered wandering the snowy streets of New Haven, Connecticut, prompting police to block off the area. The seal had been on the move, having been previously spotted in a town eight miles away. After the discovery, an animal rescue team from Mystic Aquarium was called to retrieve the lost seal. Experts believe the young seal was following its instincts but ended up in a developed urban area that was unsafe for it. The seal is now receiving care at Mystic Aquarium with the goal of eventually returning it to its natural habitat.
Watch clip answer (00:49m)
ABC News
00:03 - 00:53
How is a lost gray seal pup being rehabilitated for return to the wild?
The young gray seal found wandering on a busy street in New Haven, Connecticut is now being cared for at Mystic Aquarium with the goal of returning it to the wild. Rehabilitation efforts focus on teaching the pup critical survival skills, particularly how to hunt and catch food independently. Experts emphasize that the seal must learn to support itself through hunting before release, as this offers the best chance of survival in its natural habitat. The aquarium staff is nursing it back to health while ensuring it develops the necessary skills to thrive once released back into the ocean.
Watch clip answer (00:54m)ABC News
00:53 - 01:48
What happened to the young gray seal found in New Haven, Connecticut?
A young gray seal, estimated to be only six weeks old, was discovered wandering on a snowy street in New Haven, Connecticut, prompting police to respond to the unusual call. The seal had been on the move, previously spotted in a town eight miles away before making its way to New Haven, known for its pizza. Police blocked off the street while waiting for a rescue team from Mystic Aquarium to arrive and assist the wayward marine mammal. The seal's presence in such an urban environment was completely unexpected, with local commentators joking that perhaps it came for the city's famous clam pizza.
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ABC News
00:11 - 00:44
What is happening with the rescued seal from New Haven, Connecticut?
The young gray seal, described as a six-week-old sea pup found wandering in New Haven, Connecticut, is currently being cared for at Mystic Aquarium. Staff at the aquarium are nursing the wayward seal back to health with the ultimate goal of returning it to the wild. This rescue follows similar incidents across the country, including a seal named Tomo found sunbathing on a concrete wall four miles from water in California and another seal found wandering in traffic near Candlestick Point in San Francisco that officers guided back to the bay.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)ABC News
00:53 - 01:31