1 million sea birds killed by a hot ocean blob. Sigh.

With two winter storms combining into one massive storm here in the states, I really didn't want to write about anything depressing. But....here we are.

There is a massive patch of hot water in the northeast Pacific Ocean that scientists are calling "The Blob". This blob is connected to numerous mas die-offs in the area, including over a million sea birds. Researchers have posted their peer-reviewed study in the PLOS ONE journal. The study was conducted by a consortium of federal and state agencies. As well as groups of universities and conservationists groups. Here at AIM, we're currently discussing how we can also help in the study.

The Center for The Blue Economy has posted about the incident while linking to a Mother-Jones article. Please take a look at the linked articles for more information and some great reads. The denial of climate change continues to cause tremendous damage to our planet. The blob has been attributed, specifically, to slow movement of cooler water, high pressure ridge and extremely weak winds in the area. Please take a look at the World Wildlife's website for more information on how you can help fight climate change. Some additional things you can do include:

1. Don't waste food

   • Buy organic when you can

   • Grow your own food

2. Push for renewable energy

   • Solar energy

   • Rainwater collection

3. Don’t waste your energy

   • Install a programmable thermostat

   • Use a heat pump in your home

   • Unplug computers and other unimportant electronics when not in use