Marine Mammals in a Changing Climate
Learn About Climate Change and How You Can Help
Global climate change refers to long-term changes in the average conditions – such as temperature and rainfall – over the entire Earth. Human activity has been the main driver of global climate change since the 1800s, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.
Burning fossil fuels generates emissions that act like a heat-trapping blanket wrapped around the Earth, causing temperatures to rise. These warming temperatures are now causing intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, catastrophic storms and declining biodiversity.
Climate change is a complex challenge, threatening marine mammals in many different ways. Each threat alone is a challenge, and together they pose a much bigger problem.
Increasing temperatures and changing ocean chemistry contribute to larger and more frequent toxic algal blooms. Shifts in ocean temperatures affect prey availability and create more competition for food. Changing weather patterns and stronger, more frequent storms lead to beach erosion that encroaches on vital resting areas – and in Southern California, this means increased strandings on beaches heavily populated by people.
Young animals, like many of the seal and sea lion pups in our care, are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, as they rely on stable conditions for successful weaning and development.
Marine mammals are considered climate sentinels because their behavior and physiology are sensitive to environmental changes. You can help ensure they get the care they need by making a donation today.
Your everyday actions have an impact on the health of our ocean and marine mammals. By reducing your energy usage, you also reduce the demand for fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Less burning of fossil fuels results in lower emissions of carbon dioxide, a primary contributor to global warming. Check out these energy-saving tips from the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power and learn more at www.ladwp.com/save
Weatherize to Save Energy & Stay Comfortable
Seal air leaks and add insulation to lower energy bills and keep your home cozy year-round.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Replace your old light bulbs with LEDs, which are more energy efficient, last longer and help you save money on your electric bill.
Block the Heat
Use shading devices, such as blinds, curtains, shade awnings and window films, or install reflective or low-emissivity (low-e) windows that help block heat from entering your home.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Install and set a programmable or smart thermostat to 65 degrees in winter and to 78 degrees in summer while at home, and switch to energy-saving mode when away.
Adjust Appliance Use and Settings
Limit the use of household appliances during peak hours, and adjust settings to save energy, such as washing clothes in cold water and not setting your fridge and freezer temperatures lower than necessary.
Reduce Dishwasher Loads
Wait until your dishwasher is full before running it to reduce the number of loads, and let the dishwasher air dry instead of using heated dry.
Ventilate
Open windows and doors in the evening to clear out the heat in your home and allow cooler outdoor air to circulate inside. You can also use ceiling fans to help cool your home.
Be Aware of “Energy Vampires”
Any appliance with a clock or “instant on” setting is an “energy vampire,” as it uses electricity 24/7. Unplug all non-essential appliances and electronics when fully charged and not in use. Consider installing an advanced power strip or smart plug, which can automatically turn off idle electronics.
Consumer Rebate Program: Offers rebates to residential customers to promote the efficient use of energy and water, helping customers reduce their bills, save resources, protect the environment and improve the comfort of their home.
Energy Advisor Program: Provides access to a free suite of online tools, such as an energy use calculator, bill analysis, energy forecasting and savings tips, to help you better understand and manage how you use electricity in your home.
Efficient Product Marketplace: Allows you to shop a selection of popular energy-efficient brands available at numerous stores and online retailers with pricing and available rebate information.
Home Energy Improvement Program: Provides free energy and water efficiency upgrades to make your home more efficient and to help reduce your water and electricity bills.
Residential EV Charger Rebate Program: Offers rebates to help offset the cost of purchasing and installing eligible charging stations for electric vehicles.
The challenge of climate change isn’t hopeless, but it will require action from all of us. Your voice—in your community and at the polls—is your most powerful tool for fighting climate change.
You can help ensure a healthier ocean for marine mammals and humans alike by taking action in your everyday life.
Use Your Voice
Vote with the environment in mind. Discuss the importance of conservation and climate change with friends, neighbors and local leadership. Research candidates’ stances on the topic before heading to the polls.
Eat More Plants
Go meatless at least one day a week. Reducing meat intake lowers your carbon footprint and can help slow global warming.
Share the Shore
Give resting marine mammals space by maintaining a safe distance of at least 50 feet and keeping pets on a leash. Use the zoom on your camera rather than approaching for a selfie. Call 1-800-39-WHALE to report sick or injured animals.
