Summary of Repórter Eco | 29/08/2021

00:00:00 - 00:25:00

In the August 29, 2021 episode of "Repórter Eco," the arrival of humpback whales to the coast of Espírito Santo, Brazil, is featured, highlighting their distinctive characteristics and the importance of preserving their habitat. The video also discusses the connection between climate change and biodiversity loss, as reported in a recent scientific study, and the urgent need to address both issues together. The report reveals that human activities, such as deforestation and plastic waste, are causing significant damage to terrestrial and marine environments, leading to biodiversity loss and intensifying climate change. The video also covers Vice President Hamilton Mourão's announcement of the extension of the Armed Forces' presence in the Amazon to combat wildfires and the ongoing protests by indigenous people for their ancestral rights. Additionally, the importance of recognizing indigenous identity and culture is emphasized, and the use of drone technology in whale research is discussed as a way to observe their behavior more closely and promote sustainable ecotourism and education.

• 00:00:00 In this section of the "Repórter Eco" YouTube video from August 29, 2021, the arrival of humpback whales to the coast of Espírito Santo, Brazil, to feed their offspring is featured. The whales, known for their large pectoral fins and distinctive songs, have been attracting attention due to their unique characteristics. The video also highlights the connection between climate change and the loss of biodiversity, as reported in a recent scientific study linked to the IPCC panel of the United Nations on climate and the UN platform on biological diversity. The study concludes that climate change and biodiversity loss must be addressed together, as climate change is causing species to be displaced, isolated, and diminishing in population, while biodiversity can have positive effects on climate change through restoration projects using native species to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. However, human actions such as deforestation contribute to both the loss of biodiversity and the acceleration of climate change.
• 00:05:00 In this section of the "Repórter Eco | 29/08/2021" YouTube video, the discussion revolves around the significant losses of wetland areas, including the Pantanal and the Atlantic Forest, due to deforestation and fires. The report prepared by 50 scientists from around the world reveals that human activity is responsible for altering 77% of terrestrial environments and 87% of marine environments, leading to biodiversity loss and intensifying climate changes. The study also highlights that coastal marine areas, which were believed to be pristine, are now heavily impacted by plastic waste, oil spills, and shipping traffic. To combat this situation, it is crucial to first identify and protect vulnerable areas, particularly tropical ecosystems like mangroves, which act as significant carbon sinks. The video also mentions the ongoing crises of the pandemic, climate change, and biodiversity loss, with the latter having no solution as extinct species cannot be recovered. The video concludes by highlighting the ongoing fires in the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga, which have surpassed the same period in 2020, with the Pantanal losing 261 million hectares in the worst season of queimadas since the beginning of the year.
• 00:10:00 In this section, Vice President Hamilton Mourão announced the extension of the presence of the Armed Forces in the Amazon for an additional 45 days to combat wildfires caused by dry weather, heat, and criminal activities. Additionally, a report revealed that Brazil lost 15.7% of water over 30 years, impacting all biomes with the Pantanal experiencing a 74% decrease in water coverage. Furthermore, a historic gathering of around six thousand Indigenous people in Brasília protested against the proposed Indigenous land demarcation regulation, known as the "Marco temporal," arguing for their ancestral rights, particularly exemplified by the Xokleng people's case in Santa Catarina. Moreover, artist Daiara Tukano is using urban murals in cities like Belo Horizonte and São Paulo to advocate for Indigenous peoples and environmental preservation, highlighting the cultural expression of forest people through art.
• 00:15:00 In this section of the "Repórter Eco" YouTube video, indigenous Guarani people from São Paulo discuss the importance of recognizing their indigenous identity and culture, which goes beyond being named after a street or a plaza. They emphasize that indigenous people are living history and memory, and their relationship with art is unique, serving as a means to connect with various worlds, memories, and histories. The speaker also shares their connection with the forest and their experiences of learning from other indigenous cultures throughout Brazil. The video then shifts to report on researchers monitoring humpback whales that migrate from Antarctica to the Espírito Santo coast to reproduce and feed their offspring.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the "Repórter Eco" YouTube video from August 29, 2021, the reporter discusses the humpback whale, a peculiar and charismatic species that can reach up to 16 meters and 40 tonnes. These whales, which are native to Brazil and are commonly found off the coast of Capixaba, have distinctive features such as large pectoral fins and unique songs that change annually. Humpback whales are known for their strong parental care and can be found in the waters off the coast of Brazil, primarily in the Bahia and Espírito Santo regions. These areas, with their shallow and warmer waters, serve as a breeding ground for humpback whales, who return each year to give birth and complete their reproductive cycle before migrating back to Antarctica. The team conducting the research in this region uses drone monitoring and passive observation to study the abundance and distribution of humpback whales in the area, as well as their health. Human activities, such as fishing, port logistics, recreation, oil exploration in deep waters, and pollution, can negatively impact these animals. The team observed humpback whales just a few hours from Vitória, the capital, and their trained eyes can spot the whales from a distance by looking for signs such as the "blow" or the "breach," which is when the whale exhales or jumps out of the water.
• 00:25:00 In this section of the "Repórter Eco" YouTube video from August 29, 2021, the use of drone technology in whale research is discussed. Traditionally, whale identification was done through tail fin photographs, but each whale has a unique impression on its tail, like a fingerprint. With drone technology, researchers can observe whale behavior more closely without the limited view from a boat. They can also gather data on the number of individuals and their health. This information has led to the development of other aspects of the project, such as sustainable ecotourism and education. Whale and dolphin sightings have become the narrative for transmitting environmental knowledge to students from elementary to high school. Additionally, tourism agencies have been encouraged to follow guidelines for whale watching, and the legislation for marine safety also includes the promotion of environmental education to tourists. Due to pandemic measures, a limited number of people are allowed on boats, and the use of hand sanitizer and masks is required. The whale observation season in Espírito Santo is just beginning and will continue until the end of October, ensuring a safe and wonderful spectacle for visitors.