#2 february

It was too cold for the Bronx Zoo groundhog to come out on February 2, 1958. The sign read "Don't call me, I'll call you. signed, G. Hog."

some people will die if they cannot eat cheese for a week,

or their protein levels will dip to dangerous levels in the span of just a few days,

apparently mushrooms are essential to the vegan diet,

there are no vegans in Japan, because everything is seafood,

gelatin can fuck you up,

if you're vegan you HAVE to eat ALL the vegetables, even the ones you don't like or cannot tolerate,

honey does not harm or exploit animals in any way,

taking supplements is a sin or something,

it is both extremely expensive to the point where people cannot not touch an animal product for a week due to lack of funds,

and also extremely cheap according to someone who used to eat a lot of lentils as a kid because money was sparse,

it's incompatible with diabetes,

it will leave you with no energy whatsoever,

no bread and noodles anymore thanks to inherent egg and/or dairy content rip,

and beans will destroy your wallet, alas.

World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 to recognize and celebrate the importance of wetlands to the world, and the diversity of life that they support. Wetlands can be a very small or a very large area where the land is saturated with water throughout the year.

Wetlands are one of the most misunderstood ecosystems. They have a lot of biodiversity, and large numbers of animals, plants, and birds live there. They are also very beneficial, preventing soil erosion and offering protection against flooding, among others.

HISTORY OF WORLD WETLANDS DAY

World Wetlands Day, popularly known as World Wetlands Day, was first organized by a group of environmentalists who wanted to celebrate and protect wetlands. The date, February 2, also marks the date when the Convention on Wetlands was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar.

This day is all about celebrating the importance of wetlands to the earth and everyone living on the planet. Environmentalists use this day to spread information about Wetlands, and what people can do to protect them.

Wetlands are areas that are flooded with water for the majority of the year, where life has evolved to exist in these flooded, oxygen-less conditions. Every single continent has its own wetlands. They perform a number of vital functions for the land.

Wetlands are the main source of groundwater refills. They are also the first line of defense against storms and typhoons. Wetlands purify water, and in some places, they are artificially constructed to purify industrial runoff water.

Wetlands are teeming with life, and are home to unique plants, fish, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and birds that can’t live anywhere else. However, wetlands are also extremely ecologically sensitive. They are the most easily affected by environmental changes and climate change. Even minor changes can prove catastrophic for wetlands, and all the life that is dependent on them.

The main aim of Wetlands Day is to spread information about how valuable wetlands are, and encourage people and governments to take action to prevent their loss. Recognizing this, the U.N. decided to formally institute World Wetlands Day on the day it had been celebrated by environmentalists, February 2.

WORLD WETLANDS DAY TIMELINE

1971

The Convention on Wetlands is Signed

This convention, one of the older environmental agreements on a global scale, is adopted at the city of Ramsar in Iran.

1975

The Ramsar Convention Comes into Force

Countries that had signed the convention now begin to adopt the measures listed in the agreement.

1997

The First Wetlands Day is Celebrated

A group of environmentalists comes together to celebrate wetlands, spread information about them, and work together to protect the wetlands of the planet.

2021

The U.N. Institutes Wetlands Day

Recognizing the efforts of environmentalists and the importance of protecting wetlands, the U.N. formally institutes a global day, February 2, to celebrate wetlands.

WORLD WETLANDS DAY FAQS

Who is responsible for wetlands?

The people, governmental agencies such as the E.P.A., and the United States Army Corps of Engineers are all responsible for wetlands.

Can wetlands be farmed?

If part of your farm is a designated wetland, you can continue to farm as long as you don’t alter the drainage systems of the area.

How long does it take to restore wetlands?

Depending on the damage, wetlands can be restored in three to four years.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD WETLANDS DAY

Make a poster or brochures: An important way to celebrate wetlands is by spreading information about them. Put together a poster or some brochures with information about wetlands and educate people!

Take some photos for competitions: Wetlands are found everywhere, so drive down to your nearest wetland and take some photos. There are lots of photography competitions for wetlands on this day, so submit your photos for first place.

Organize an event at your local school: Work with teachers and community leaders to organize a kid-friendly event that celebrates all things wetlands. Informs the kids about how they can help!

5 FACTS ABOUT WETLANDS THAT YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW

The U.S.'s wetlands have decreased: Since the 1700s, there has been a steady degradation of wetlands all over the country, and it’s believed they have decreased by half.

A lot of endangered species live there: In the U.S., one-third of the country’s endangered and threatened species live in wetlands.

Alaska has the most wetlands63% of the country’s wetlands are found in Alaska.

Buying stamps can help: Funds from the purchase of federal duck stamps go towards wetlands acquisition so they can be protected.

You can adopt wetlands: In New England, an Adopt-A-Wetland program has been set up to help save the wetlands.

WHY WORLD WETLANDS DAY IS IMPORTANT

We think they’re beautiful: Wetlands are the most biodiverse places on the planet and have the most variety of life. What could be more beautiful than that?

We want to save the wetlands: Spreading information about what they do and how important they are is the best way to help protect the wetlands, which do so much for the planet.

We love nature: We want to do our best to make sure that we support natural systems and do our bit to stop the effects of climate change on the planet.

@JoshRamsay: 'Great day in the studio with that feisty @Luke5SOS. Wrote a keeper, hung cellphones from odd ceiling outlets, and generally caused mayhem.'

2 February 2015

1172 – Last day King Henry II holds his court in Dublin. 1172 – The Synod of Cashel: the Bishops of Ireland, under duress, pledge allegiance to Henry II of England. 1806 – Birth of painter, Daniel Maclise, in Co Cork. 1880 – Charles Stewart Parnell addresses the U.S. Congress. 1882 – Birth of novelist, short story writer, and poet, James Joyce, in Dublin. 1882 – Birth of poet and novelist, James…