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Become a #ClimateShark

by
United Conservationists
|
October 30, 2021

We’re excited to launch the #ClimateShark campaign. As COP26 kicks off in Glasgow, we know people around the world will be focused on combating climate change. Oceans are our greatest weapon against climate change and we’re missing the important role that sharks play in maintaining healthy oceans.


After learning that all fisheries could collapse by 2048, Rob Stewart’s determination to save sharks expanded to saving the oceans. ‘It’s not about saving pandas and polar bears, it’s about saving us.’ In his film Revolution, Rob addressed the role sharks and ecosystems play in keeping the oceans healthy and how those healthy oceans will help mitigate climate change.


We want to continue this conversation and bring new audiences into it. From those that care about the environment and those who actively are making an effort to curb climate change, everyone should be aware of the important role sharks play on our planet. This is why we are encouraging you to become a #ClimateShark and help save sharks and our oceans.


What is a #ClimateShark?

Someone who is a #ClimateShark embodies the shark mentality. They are focused and determined to make a positive impact on the world. They make big and small  changes in their personal lives  to reduce the negative impact they may have on the environment. This can be done by recycling their trash and or by making a conscious effort to eat and live more sustainably. A #ClimateShark is also someone who strives to create a larger change in the world by using their voice to advocate for legislation to protect sharks and the oceans.


Why is the connection between sharks and climate change important?

Sharks are important caretakers of their ocean ecosystems. Because sharks are at the top of the food chain, they keep species in balance to help maintain the biodiversity in reefs, mangroves, kelp forests and anywhere else sharks call home. Biodiversity is essential to maintaining healthy oceans and when oceans are healthy, they do an amazing job of combating climate change. A healthy ocean can absorb nearly 3 bn tonnes of CO2 each year, and produce more than half the oxygen on the planet. By absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, oceans help reduce global temperatures. Without sharks there would be no healthy oceans and climate change will only get worse. This critical cycle of nature is being threatened every day as millions of sharks are killed for food and cosmetics. By protecting sharks we can ensure oceans can help fight against climate change.


How you can be a #ClimateShark

Become a #ClimateShark by taking big or small actions to help the environment. Here are five tips to get started:  

  1. Keep an eye on ingredients in your favorite food and cosmetic products for shark products like meat or squalene. #SharkFree
  2. Eat sustainably by making sure the food you are putting on the table is sustainably sourced and not from illegal fishing vessels.  #EatSustainably
  3. Put pressure on government officials to act swiftly on taking up legislation to ban the sale of shark fins. #ClimateAction
  4. Refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle the plastics in your life. #GoGreen
  5. Spread the word of the importance sharks have on our oceans and the fight to end human-made climate change. #TogetherForOurPlanet


Want to do more?

Consider making a donation to the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation. All donations go towards initiatives that continue to bring awareness and educate audiences through Rob’s films about the critical need for sharks in our oceans.

Shark-free cosmetics brands to support on National Lipstick Day - July 29

by
United Conservationists
|
July 29, 2021

Happy Lipstick Day! To celebrate, we would like to shed light on some shark-free and shark safe brands that either do not use squalene or have transitioned to plant-based alternatives or synthetic squalene to protect our endangered friends. 

Shark squalene is commonly found in cosmetics like lipstick, eye shadow, and foundation, as well as personal care products like sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer, shampoo, and conditioners. We want to help you become a better consumer of these products, so we compiled a list of sustainable brands. 

Check out our starter list of Shark Free Cosmetics and Personal Care Brands to learn more!

You can also click to sign our Shark Free Pledge and donate to support the work of Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation and United Conservationists!

Taking Action on Shark Awareness Day!

by
Alexandra Heilbron
|
July 14, 2021

Today is Shark Awareness Day! To mark this special day, we have some fun things to share with our shark-loving community.

Take a look at 10 facts you  must know about sharks and the wins  that have been made to protect them!

After that, take our Buzzfeed What Kind of Shark Are You quiz to discover which shark you most closely resemble!

We hope these give you some extra reasons to celebrate on this Shark Awareness Day and to continue taking action. Stand up for sharks and:

Take the Shark Free Pledge.

Donate here to support the the work of United Conservationists.

Spread the word on Shark Awareness Day and share this content with your friends!

Watch Eli Roth’s new shark film Fin!

by
United Conservationists
|
July 13, 2021

This shark week watch Fin! This documentary by award-winning horror filmmaker Eli Roth and executive-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio is available on Discovery+ starting July 13.

The film delves into the lucrative and corrupt world behind the shark fin trade that is responsible for killing beyond 100,000,000 sharks a year.

Partnering with the world’s top scientists, activists and NGOs, Eli Roth tries to expose the villains behind the mass slaughter of the world’s sharks before they go extinct. He reveals, “This is the most terrifying movie I’ve ever made…without sharks the planet can die.”’

Watch as Roth enters extremely dangerous situations to expose the criminals behind these horrific acts. Catch our friends Peter Hammarstedt and Regi Domingo from Sharkwater, along with Ocean Ramsey, Dr. Neil Hammerschlag and many more in this must-see film.

Click here to watch the official Fin trailer. ~Emily Chavez

Click here to read a review of Fin.

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