QUESTIONS TO TEAM - Feb. 1

Thanks for undertaking this exciting educational and scientific project. I had recently written a column on the loss of winter here in the mid-Atlantic states. As was stated in the beginning of Mercury Rising, the changes might seem subtle but they are everywhere apparent if you look. I'll be keeping up with your journey as best as I can. Best of luck to you.

Craig Tufts
Chief Naturalist
National Wildlife Federation

ANSWER: Thanks for following the journey through our web site. The effects of climate change do seem apparent here. Numerous species have disappeared from this area, while other species seem to be moving upward in altitude. Be sure to read Bill Dietrich's second dispatch from the field where he interviews Dr. Alan Pounds, ecological scientist, who has been studying amphibian life in the cloud forest.

Denise Rocco-Zilber
Producer/Photographer, One World Journeys Team

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I am curious as to how one becomes a member of the team. I have been involved with conservation and want to do more with my photography in that area. Do you have any suggestions?

Best,
Heather Lindquist

ANSWER: If you have never done any conservation work with your photography, one good way to start is with local environmental groups and issues. Most small groups need help with photos or slide shows or other public presentations. Even though there is usually no pay involved in this, advantages for you are the access to protected areas, information from scientists and naturalists, and photos of group members working in the field (which with proper releases from those involved might be salable to textbooks or magazines later). Most regional and national conservation groups have budgets to pay for photos and need a lot of them for everything from brochures to Congressional lobbying prints to web sites. Start with their local offices or call their communication offices.

Another entry is university science departments, whose professors probably have many studies underway that relate to environmental issues. If you are already a naturalist-photographer and have photos of special areas, parks, or animals, you can give slide shows at schools and retirement homes and offer your expertise and photos to politicians involved in environmental issues. A good source for more information about environmental photography is the North American Nature Photography Association, www.nanpa.org

Gary Braasch
Photographer, One World Journeys Team

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It's 68 degrees in Southern New Jersey today. Should I be worried about this record-breaking high temperature? We also had a record-breaking warm December.

Suzanne

ANSWER: While day-to-day weather is not a reliable indicator of climate change, the last ten years have had the warmest temperatures on record. It takes many years of weather data to make reliable conclusions about climate change. But the kinds of changes you are observing are the same kinds of phenomena scientists around the world are observing. See our "Powers of Observation" section to read more stories about these occurrences around the world.

One World Journeys Team

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Holly,
Are there any activities for classrooms that correspond with the expedition? Do you know of any Anacortes students following the trip?

Nathan Lindberg

ANSWER: Within the "Education and Action" section of the "Mercury Rising" web site, you will find four educational workshops dealing with climate change. I created a workshop entitled "Monteverde Cloud Forest" which is designed for students in kindergarten through fourth grade. We have not yet heard from any classrooms in Anacortes, WA, but I hope teachers in Anacortes and around the world will find these workshops and the opportunity to follow the live field expedition both educational and fun.

Holly Dietrich
Teacher, One World Journeys Team

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Bill,
You mention the Golden Toad has disappeared in your opening dispatch. Does that mean it's extinct? As the climate gets warmer, is there any evidence that some species are actually getting stronger?

Nate Lindberg

ANSWER: Dr. Alan Pounds, an ecological scientist, estimates there is a 95chance the Golden Toad is extinct because no Golden Toads have been seen since 1989. However, it is always difficult to prove absolutely that something is not there. As the climate warms, lowland species are moving upwards and thus taking advantage of climate change. Some plants and animals may benefit, but that means other, more fragile species, may become extinct, like the Golden Toad.

Bill Dietrich
Writer, One World Journeys Team

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Bravo to all of you working together to bring information to the people who may not understand about the precious balances of nature. I've traveled to Monteverde and I know this is wonderful work you are doing! We are behind you all the way! Best of luck to everyone!

Grace Dary, Spanish teacher

ANSWER: We feel it's an incredible opportunity to bring these important environmental issues to the next generation. Thanks for taking the time to follow our journey. Be sure to check out the educational workshops under Education and Action for use in classrooms.

One World Journeys Team

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I am curious as to what kind of photographic gear and what types of clothing and camping gear you are using.

Thanks for the info.
flytrap

ANSWER: A list of the major equipment includes: Nikon F100 film camera and the Nikon D1 and Epson digital cameras; most lenses from 17 to 500 mm; Nikon SB-28 flash units; tripods; rain covers, etc. Most of the team have worn Patagonia rain jackets, pants, and fleeces to keep us dry and warm.

We are wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants and, since it is very cool here at 1500 M in near-constant fog and wind, various kinds of bomb proof raingear. On this trip we are not camping, as Monteverde Reserve is a relatively small place. We are spending a lot of time on short hikes with scientists; nearby lodges are convenient.

One World Journeys Team

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QUESTIONS TO TEAM - Feb. 2

Hello: Good news! Have you heard that California legislature has worked up CO2 limits for cars? Are non-native species a problem for Costa Rica, as Kudzu and Zebra Clams are for the US?

Lee Gruber

ANSWER: Great news, Lee! We had not yet heard about the new California legislation. California has always been a leader in putting emissions controls on cars.

One beautiful, but non-native invader in Monteverde is Impatiens, which are growing wild everywhere. Another introduced alien species includes grasses for horses and cattle. It's not clear to us if these new species are a problem in Costa Rica. Famous Costa Rican crops, such as coffee and bananas, were also introduced.

One World Journeys Team

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Hi!
I admire your web page: so much information to absorb! Lovely photos, too.
I have a quick question. Are you using a GPS receiver as a navigational tool or mapping tool? If so what type?

Thanks.
Jane W. Reynolds

ANSWER: Hi Jane. Yes, we have a Garmin eMap(tm) out here in the field with us. It's very useful for keeping archives of the trails we have followed and areas where we have located different species. It was a terrific tool to have with us on our night hike.

Toby Malina
Field Technician, One World Journeys Team

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Hello.
First, I would like to say thank you for your efforts! I think what you are doing is good for the whole planet. My question is: What kind of wildlife are you encountering while you are on your quest? Also, most people I talk to don't believe anything is happening to our planet. They believe global warming is just a hoax. Even my husband. What can be done to get people to understand? What can I do to help you get the word out? I have just recently become unemployed which means I have lots of time on my hands now. I will be eagerly awaiting your response!

Fellow concerned Citizen,
Lisa McColm

ANSWER: If you regularly visit the Teacher's Logs, which are in the Field Dispatches, you'll find a list of some of the animals and plants we see in the cloud forest.

If you would like to take a more active role in increasing awareness about climate change, visit the section on our site called Education and Action. Within the Action section you will find a number of different science research groups, such as the Tropical Science Center, who are supporting researchers working in climate change studies. Since your current employment situation has changed you might not be in the position to send donations to support these organizations, so we could also suggest printing out the What You Can Do list we have provided and trying to incorporate these energy conservation tips in your everyday living. Finally, send an electronic postcard from the One World Journeys site to everyone you know and make them aware of the issue of climate change by exploring the Mercury Rising website.

Denise Rocco-Zilber
Field Producer/Photographer, One World Journeys Team