Author Archives: Kyle Empringham

Kyle Empringham

Conservation and Biodiversity Editor

Kyle is a graduate of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and the editor of the eco-blog, The Starfish. He has a degree in biology with a minor in geography, and focuses mostly on ecological and environmental disciplines. In the future, he plans to travel abroad to learn more about these pressing issues that cannot be justified by sitting in a lecture hall. He also plans to pursue a graduate degree in natural resource sciences and management. As a budding ecologist, he loves to learn about the issues surrounding conservation and biodiversity, and is excited to translate his knowledge into actions for the ecolutionist community! In his spare time, Kyle enjoys hikes, kayaking, and watching documentaries.

Environmentalists: Please Stay Humble!

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 05/03/12

Photo by dleavittlynn via flickr

There’s nothing worse than explaining your message to someone while knowing it is going in one ear and out the other. You could be explaining the cure for cancer, or how to solve all of our world’s environmental problems – but if it isn’t communicated well, it simply won’t stick. This is why I urge my fellow environmentalists to remain humble.

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Don’t State the Facts, Tell An Environmental Story

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 04/24/12

Photo by Solokom via flickr

We’re all living life on the edge. Climate change has made it so that our weather patterns our becoming more and more unpredictable. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme events are more common than ever. They hold the power to destroy homes, families, and your way of living in a matter of seconds. They are able to take everything you like and turn it into a pile of rubble without any thought. With all of this on the line, don’t you want to stop it? Don’t you want to do whatever you can to ensure that your livelihood is safe and secure?

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Universal Pictures’ The Lorax Misses the Environmental Mark

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 03/02/12

Photo by Glowingrock via flickr

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax has been made into a motion picture, set to enter theatres this Friday, March 2. Being an all-time fan of this book, and loving the environmental messages that come from this cute and heartwarming story, I must say that my expectations were high. However, after a short investigation of the marketing and the adaptation of the original book, I find myself quite heartbroken.

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Captain Charles Moore: The Seas of Plastic

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 02/02/12

Photo by AbyssWriter via flickr

This week, I had the pleasure of watching Capt. Charles Moore, founder of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, talk about his journey with plastics in our ocean. Within minutes of his presentation, you couldn’t help but feel for this concerning issue that simply doesn’t get enough media attention.

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Tying My Shoe’s: The Sustainable Thing to Do

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 01/20/12

Photo by madame.furie via flickr

While walking home the other day, I noticed my shoe was untied. In a lethargic fashion, I first didn’t care about my laces swaying to and fro as I walked. After some thought, I tied my shoe – not because it was annoying, but because it was the more sustainable thing to do.

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The Newest Oil Spill: Small Leaks in Russia Lead to Ecological Failure

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 12/20/11

Photo by AntarticBoy via flickr

We’ve all been reminded of the disastrous effects that the oil industry can have on our planet. Not only does it massively contribute to climate change, but spills and leaks can also cause ecological failures, further leading to the demise of our planet. The BP/Exxon-Valdez spill has been counted as one of the worst oil spills to date – but an investigation into Russia’s tundra might make you think otherwise.

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Papua New Guinea Shows Us Why Small Can Be Beautiful

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 12/09/11

Photo by Heal the Bay via flickr

Balancing the employment needs of fishing communities with conservation concerns is a tricky task for many reasons—but the experience of a provincial initiative in Papua New Guinea offers valuable clues for success.

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Posted in Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecology, Science | 0

Flagship Species: Thinking Past the Cute and Cuddly

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 11/29/11

Photo by f.shelva via flickr

When you think of species that are suffering due to human-caused environmental harm, what first comes to mind? It’s likely that you think of a polar bear, or maybe a panda. Maybe even a sea turtle or clownfish (Finding Nemo, anyone?). These are called flagship species – the environmental “spokes-species” for the rest of the fauna at risk. But rest assured, there’s advantages and disadvantages to pushing certain animals into the media spotlight.

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Posted in Animal Welfare, Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecology, Nature, Science | Tagged , , , | 0

Ethical Expeditions: Making a Sustainable Difference

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 11/04/11

Photo via Ethical Expeditions

Being an environmentalist, it’s easy to get bogged down in the overwhelming disparities that exist between the environmental movement and those who have the power to make a difference. Fortunately, there are groups that are striving to make a difference and put it into action by building sustainable and resilient social-ecological systems.

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The Starfish is releasing its Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25

By Kyle Empringham , Published: 10/20/11

Starfish executive staff

A long time ago, I entered the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)’s blogging competition, hoping to secure a trip to Africa and explore a part of the world I’ve never been to. Although I didn’t win, a stranger-turned-friend (Tuesday Phillips of ecolutionist!) lead me to the wonderful path of eco-blogging I’ve been travelling on for the last few years.

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Posted in Biodiversity, Climate, Community, Conservation, Culture, Ecology, Lifestyle | Tagged , , , , , | 0