Diverse and profound symbols of fatherhood in nature

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Angel Oak Tree | Charleston, South Carolina. Photo by Andrew Shelley on Unsplash.
Angel Oak Tree | Charleston, South Carolina. Photo by Andrew Shelley on Unsplash.

Happy Father’s Day to all the nature lovers out there!

This Father’s Day we’re taking a look at the diverse and profound symbols of “fatherhood” in nature. We found several nature-related symbols embodying fatherhood across a range of cultures and species. Take a quick journey with us to learn about these symbols.

Majestic father oak

Rooted in its attributes of strength, resilience, and longevity, the oak parallels qualities traditionally associated with fatherhood. Just as a father offers protection and guidance, the oak tree’s broad branches provide shelter. Its steadfast nature implies a dependable presence. In Celtic mythology, the oak was held in high reverence as a father figure, an emblem of stability and nurturing amid life’s tumultuous storms (Markale, J. (2004). The Celts: Uncovering the Mythic and Historic Origins of Western Culture). Its acorns, seen as seeds of potential, mirror a father’s role in fostering growth and development in his offspring. This majestic oak tree’s symbolism reflects the enduring, protective, and nurturing aspects of fatherhood, celebrating its essential role in the cycle of life.

Mountain, the patriarch

Mountains, due to their imposing stature, have been perceived as paternal figures across various cultures. Mount Olympus in Greek mythology was not only home to the gods but the dwelling place of Zeus, the father of gods and men (Source: Grimal, P. (1996). The Dictionary of Classical Mythology). Native American tribes like the Sioux perceive mountains as sacred and regard them as ‘grandfathers,’ signifying wisdom and spiritual guidance (Source: Brown, J. E. (1953). The Sacred Pipe: Black Elk’s Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux).

Father sun

The sun, radiant and life-giving also represents fatherhood in numerous cultures. It exemplifies power, constancy, and nurturing. In Ancient Egyptian mythology, the sun god Ra was seen as the father of all gods, embodying warmth, life, and illumination (Source: Pinch, G. (2002). Handbook of Egyptian Mythology). Similarly, in many Native American cultures, the sun was often revered as a father figure, offering light, warmth, and growth to its children on Earth (Source: Hirschfelder, A. B., & Molin, P. F. (1992). The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions). The symbol of the father sun embodies the vital role of fathers as providers, protectors, and guiding lights in the lives of their offspring.

Lord lion

The lion serves as a powerful symbol of fatherhood. Renowned for its strength, courage, and protective instincts, the male lion’s role mirrors the archetypical father figure. It defends its pride against potential harm, embodying the protective aspect of fatherhood. The lion guides its young, teaching them essential survival skills, which encapsulates the mentoring facet of fatherhood (Source: DeMello, M. (2012). Animals and Society: An Introduction to Human-Animal Studies).

Eagle, the sire

The eagle, soaring high above the earth, represents a magnificent symbol of fatherhood in numerous cultures. Its exceptional strength, acute vision, and protective instincts correspond to the traditional roles and qualities associated with fatherhood. Among Native American cultures, the eagle, as a messenger of the Great Spirit, carries spiritual symbolism. It exemplifies wisdom, courage, and protective care – revered fatherly traits that guide and protect families (Source: Hirschfelder, A. B., & Molin, P. F. (1992). The Encyclopedia of Native American Religions). As the eagle prepares a safe nest and vigilantly guards its young, it embodies the nurturing and protective roles of a father. The soaring flight of the eagle conveys the encouragement fathers provide their children to reach great heights. The eagle’s symbolism captures the essence of fatherhood—nurturing, guiding, protecting, and inspiring the next generation.

Selfless seahorse as birthing papa

Unlike most species, it is the male seahorse that assumes the responsibility of pregnancy, challenging traditional paternal roles and symbolizing an exceptional level of paternal care and investment. This rare trait positions the seahorse as a representation of devoted fatherhood and redefines the boundaries of paternal roles within the natural world (Source: Wilson, R. A. (2010). The Labor of Words: Literary Professionalism in the Progressive Era). The male seahorse nurtures its young in its own body signifies a father’s deep commitment and selflessness, encapsulating an intimate bond with the offspring. The seahorse, in its unique biology, presents an unconventional yet compelling symbol of fatherhood, highlighting the profound nurturing, dedication, and flexibility inherent in this role.

The above examples show us that nature is rich with symbols that represent the multifaceted concept of “father.” These symbols extend from plants to celestial bodies to animals to sea life. They emphasize the qualities attributed to fatherhood—strength, protection, wisdom, and nurturing—and encapsulate the complex and universal essence of fatherhood.

Despite shrinking ‘Dead Zone’, Gulf Coast grapples with massive fish die-off

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A shrimp boat trawls for shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico. (Image credit: NOAA Fisheries)
A shrimp boat trawls for shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico. (Image credit: NOAA Fisheries)

NOAA anticipated a remarkably smaller ‘Dead Zone’ in Gulf of Mexico this summer

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico this summer, an oxygen-deprived area spanning about 4,155 square miles that can prove lethal to marine life. This estimate, while significant, is lower than the 36-year average of 5,364 square miles. The dead zone occurs annually due to excessive nutrient pollution from human activities within the Mississippi River watershed.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) tracks key factors such as river discharge and nutrient loading, which contribute to the dead zone. In May 2023, there was a 33% decrease in river discharge, a 42% decrease in nitrate, and a 5% decrease in phosphorus levels compared to the long-term averages from 1980 to 2022. These nutrients instigate an algal bloom that, upon death and decay, depletes water oxygen levels, endangering marine life, especially bottom-dwelling species.

NOAA’s hypoxia forecasts are designed to help coastal managers and stakeholders proactively mitigate the impacts of hypoxia. The data also inform nutrient reduction targets aimed at curbing future dead zones. The Interagency Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force aims to reduce the dead zone to 1,900 square miles by 2035.

Despite smaller ‘Dead Zone’, thousands of fish perish on Texas Gulf Coast

The New York Times along with several other media outlets reported that on Friday, tens of thousands of fish started washing ashore along the Texas Gulf Coast due to a combination of environmental conditions that depleted oxygen levels in the warm waters. The incident was described as a “perfect storm” of poor conditions by Bryan Frazier, the director of Brazoria County Parks Department. Warm water holds less oxygen than cold water, and the calm, cloudy weather obstructed the usual ways oxygen is infused into ocean water. The fish are thought to have been trapped in shallow, warm water where the oxygen supply diminished.

Experts suggest that climate change could be contributing to such incidents as warmer waters become more common. Katie St. Clair, the sea life facility manager at Texas A&M University at Galveston, said that rising water temperatures could lead to more such events, especially in shallow, near-shore environments.

Frazier noted that these fish kills are not uncommon during warmer periods and predicted local water conditions would improve as ocean waves reintroduce oxygen and fish leave low-oxygen areas. However, the United Nations reported in 2019 that warmer ocean waters have increased incidences of hypoxia (low oxygen levels), posing threats to fish populations.

The fish kill could significantly impact the environment as the dead fish, primarily Gulf menhaden, play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Clean-up operations are ongoing to prevent the dead fish from rotting in the midday heat.

Join the global movement: Combat plastic pollution this World Environment Day, June 5th

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Theme:Finding solutions to plastic pollution
Date:June 5th, 2023
Host:Côte d’Ivoire in collaboration with the Netherlands
Hashtags:#BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay

June 5th, 2023, will mark the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, which was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1973. This year, the event is anticipated to attract tens of millions of participants both online and through in-person activities, embodying the spirit of environmental advocacy.

Addressing plastic pollution

This year’s theme is focused on finding solutions to plastic pollution. The occasion underscores the consequences of actions and inaction taken by individuals, businesses, and governments in response to plastic pollution. It also highlights the pressing need to amplify these efforts and transition towards a circular economy. To assist in these efforts, a Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide is available, outlining steps to halt and reverse the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

An urgent need

Our planet is in crisis, besieged by the overwhelming weight of plastic waste. Despite its numerous applications, plastic has become detrimental due to our dependence on single-use plastic products, which cause significant environmental and health issues.

As per the UN, globally, one million plastic bottles are bought every minute, up to five trillion plastic bags are used each year, and 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually. Approximately 36% of all plastic is used for packaging, including single-use items for food and beverage containers. Sadly, around 85% of these items end up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Less than 10% of the seven billion tonnes of plastic waste generated worldwide has been recycled. The most prevalent types of plastic waste found in the environment include cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles and caps, grocery bags, straws, and stirrers.

Environmental harm

Plastic waste can persist in the environment for centuries due to its durability and resistance to degradation. Nearly all single-use plastic products are manufactured from fossil fuels, contributing to the escalation of greenhouse gas emissions. Most plastic items merely break down into smaller microplastics, which can infiltrate the human body and accumulate in various organs. The impact of this phenomenon on human health remains largely unknown. Microplastics are now ubiquitous and are a part of the Earth’s fossil record. They have even led to the creation of a new marine microbial habitat, known as the “plastisphere.”

How you can help

Urge your local and national leaders to take decisive action by eliminating problematic plastic packaging, redesigning products for sustainability, and promoting transparency in sustainability information. Additionally, you can participate in beach or river clean-ups, shop sustainably, adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, advocate for change, choose sustainable fashion, and opt for plastic-free personal care products.

Spread awareness and inspire others via social media using the hashtags #BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay.