They Made History!

So about a week and a half ago, I was following up with a story of two climbers reaching the peak of Dawn Wall at Yosemite National Park. Though I'm aware this entry isn't necessarily targeting wildlife in any sort, I look at it as Man Vs. Wild

Now it sounds like no big deal, I mean people climb high altitudes all the time. However, when talking about Dawn Wall, it is approximately 3,000 feet high being the hardest climb for human existence. Now I'm just exaggerating a bit but nonetheless it is the hardest free climb and no one has accomplished reaching the top until now.

Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson took an outstanding 19 days to climb the summit of El Capitan, only to climb with bloody fingers and aching bodies in the process, as well as making tents for a much needed rest day. 

Both of the climbers have experience in this region as it is their speciality. Caldwell, 36, and Jorgeson 30, have been climbing since they were kids. So what made these adrenaline junkies pursuit the hardest free climb? It's simple. To inspire others. 

Jorgeson and Caldwell 1,500 feet above the ground
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/01/150114-climbing-yosemite-caldwell-jorgeson-capitan/

"The pair never thought the feat would gain attention outside climbing circles, but Jorgeson said he's hoping people who were struck by the themes of struggle and teamwork are inspired to tackle their own obstacles."

http://tucson.com/sports/yosemite-climber-says-he-hopes-historic-feat-inspires-others/article_85894289-776d-5252-a57d-4a4d9712f822.html

They spent years on figuring out easy routes and access around the climb itself; everything had to be choreographed well in able for the climb to be successful. Talk about dedication!

Kevin Jorgeson fighting his way to the summit with nothing but his bare hands
http://www.kevinjorgeson.com/videos/

Now the extensive outlook of how tall Dawn Wall is immense. 

This picture is pretty much self explanatory to the high altitude to the summit in comparison to famous skyscrapers around the world.

I was extremely over joyed when these two men finally accomplished their long mission, making their marks in the history books (or on social media nowadays)

Calwell and Jorgeson fianlly reaching the top summit of El Capitan

And lastly, I leave you all with this. It's pretty intense especially for those that are scared of heights, you've been warned :-)

Fast Melting Greenland (Yikes!)

This post is a bit similar to my previous one (because it contains ice lol) But in all seriousness, I was watching a HBO series called "VICE" and it covered the topic of extreme weather events and this was sea level rise.

Greenland is melting. Now some people don't even know Greenland is located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Some may assume that Antarctica is the only region on earth that contains ice and Greenland, well a big land of green.

http://www.occupy.com/article/de-icing-myth-greenland

Now, during the show sequence,  Dr. Jason Box, a glaciologist, guides us to why these glaciers are meting at a rapid rate. One of the reasons why the ice sheets are melting is due dirty, dark ice, the soot from pollution absorbs the sunlight that is on top of the surface.

Of course wildfires are to blame, but also mass amount of industrial pollution that we create. Greenland contains 21 feet of global sea level, and if it all melts, 80 of the worlds biggest cities will be under water. During the show, the glaciers were falling apart every other fifteen minutes.

Greenland's glaciers that once made up majority of the land are melting rapidly

Dr. Gavin Schimdt, climatologist, states we need to cut back carbon dioxide 80%, and this is a "crime scene covered in our fingers".  WOAH.

Watching the documentary made me a bit scared because knowing this is happening as we speak and no real way to actually stop it years so come is devastating. We are causing this and there's no turning back.

For more updated news
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150120151221.htm

http://www.ibtimes.com/greenland-ice-melt-islands-vanishing-lakes-making-massive-ice-sheet-less-stable-study-1790300

The polar bear is my favorite animal and unfortunately makes it on the list for endangered species.

Polar bears spend nearly 50% of their time hunting food however less than 2% are successful. Due to the increasingly large loss of their sea ice, polar bears were officially listed as endangered species in the U.S. under the Endangered Species Act in May 2008 and I was completely devastated.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/polar-bear-clings-tight-iceberg-882963

Why Polar Bears are important?!?!
They are on top of the food chain and important to the overall marine environment. They depend on the sea ice for the existence and are devastatingly impacted by the climate change.

And look how adorable this is!!

you can adopt a polar bear!
http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/polar-bear

Hi!
My name is Lucia, but a lot of people call me Lucy. I am on my third year at De Anza college with the hopes of graduating with an AA in Liberal Arts in the spring.

I dream of becoming a photojournalist, covering topics of Mother Nature herself, I'm very fascinated with wilderness; landscapes, wildlife, weather, etc. And needless to say our climate has not been doing so well. Therefore, my blog will be consisted of our ecosystem and of wildlife. Whether it be finding solutions to the causes that increased global warming to endangered species. I hope to give awareness to everyone, especially on important topics and what one can do to contribute to better the planet and interesting facts that deal with nature and Earth itself, so bear with me if I start rambling about different topics! :)