Huntington Oil Spill
In the mid-morning of October 11, 2021 in Huntington Beach, California approximately 13000 tons of oil were spilled into the Pacific Ocean. Though public efforts were made to retrieve the spill, much of the gas has penetrated the Pacific Ocean in this area. According to CNN.com, Oiled Wildlife Network reported 38 dead birds. The State of California has opened an investigation on this event, opening discussion to several causes over this event, egregious and detrimental to the environmental conditions around Southern California.
Benton Harbor Contamination
On the date of October 21, 2021 the State of Michigan declared a state of emergency after water contamination depleted the city of Benton Harbor’s water quality. Michigan has struggled with water quality in the past, and the contamination has especially hit the predominantly-black community. Residents have been advised to use bottled water for their daily activity, further exasperating the impoverished community. Systemic inequality has plagued the city for years, though they have secured funding for new water infrastructure and hope to move forward.
Extinction of Woodpecker Species
23 species of woodpecker have been declared extinct as part of the “sixth mass extinction”, a phenomenon scientists say has been caused by the destruction of global habitats. Not all woodpeckers are extinct however, and environmental reform will prevent the destruction of their habitats and eventual extinction.
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