#knowyourplanet

Ocean Institute has some online ocean science for 10 weeks for you mommies who want more for their kiddos. Grades 5-12, or any of you who are interested. 🧜🏼‍♀️🦀🌊@ocean-institute.org #homeschool #schoolisnotenough #oceaninstitute #motherearth #knowyourplanet #mostfunhistory #funscience https://www.instagram.com/p/CEHpyNPlmGs/?igshid=17zaqoagp1ahm

These are superglacial lakes -- pools of meltwater that from atop glaciers. While beautiful, they are harbingers of climate change's devastating effects. The water in these mini lakes -- which form only when the temperature is above freezing -- holds heat from the sun, causing more ice to melt. Eventually, the meltwater drips through the ice sheet and lubricates the bedrock below, accelerating the glacier's slide into the ocean. This process has already started in the Arctic, which is where these lakes were photographed. Scientists have previously thought that certain, super-frigid parts of Antarctica were resistant to climate change, but the discovery of superglacial lakes there changes everything. It now looks like Antarctica could plunge into a warming pattern similar to what we have seen in the Arctic. Not good -- especially when you consider there's far more ice down south. (Photo: NASA)

There is no sugarcoating it: Elephants could become extinct by the end of the next decade. Their numbers have dropped by 62% over the last ten years. But with 400,000 of these majestic beasts still lumbering through forests and grasslands in Asia and Africa, there is hope. The price of ivory has crashed thanks to a worldwide effort. Some elephant populations are stable and even growing. But without our help, this species is doomed to extinction. Their fate is literally in our hands. Please support one of the many organizations working to stop poachers and to conserve elephant habitat.

#Repost @extinctglobal ・・・ While our last post showed the devastating reality that results when we don't work together, this repost by @planetexperts shows the incredible difference that happens when we do. ・・・ "It's been a rough century for #tigers, so we're happy to bring you a bit of good news -- but there's still a long way to go. You can help by supporting one of the many organizations working to bring this beautiful cat back from the brink. Together, we can double wild tiger numbers by 2022, the next Chinese Year of the Tiger. #DoubleTigers #GlobalTigerDay #ThumbsUpForTigers #BigCatsForever #KnowYourPlanet @world_wildlife @rainforestactionnetwork @ifawhq @leonardodicaprio @wctindia Photo: Mathias Appel

From our friend at @planetexperts - In honor of #WorldSnakeDay, we encourage you to suspend your fear of snakes and recognize the challenges facing these important reptiles. A big thank you to organizations like @snakeadvocate, who are helping to promote compassionate conservation and coexistence with snakes through science, education, and advocacy. Become a #SnakeHero by tagging a friend who might not realize that snakes aren't as bad as they're portrayed to be! #KnowYourPlanet #Regrann

— knowyourplanet