Tag: nature

creativity

First Brooklyn beach day of 2024

Christa Avampato

This week, I had my first Brooklyn beach day of 2024 at Coney Island! Since moving from the Upper West Side to Brooklyn almost a year ago, I’ve discovered a number of new joys in New York City. One of the biggest has been Coney Island — named one of the best 25 beaches in the U.S. in 2024 by Travel+Leisure Magazine. Coney Island is a 20-minute subway ride from my apartment. In addition to the beach, there’s a boardwalk loaded with delicious food and drinks, rides, games, a minor league baseball stadium, fun street art, music, city park land, and a load of characters from every walk of life. I look forward to spending many days here this summer.

Fun Coney Island and NYC beach facts:
– How Coney Island got its name is widely disputed. Some theories: (1) an Irish boat captain named Peter O’Connor sailed to New York from Ireland in the late 1700s, and named Coney Island after Ireland’s Coney Island, which was and remains a mile from O’Connor’s home in County Sligo and looks remarkably similar to Brooklyn’s Coney Island save for the fact that the island in Ireland is nearly deserted and Brooklyn’s Coney Island is a magnet for locals and tourists alike. (2) The Dutch settled Manhattan in 1624 and inhabited Coney Island soon afterward. It was home to a large population of wild rabbits and the Dutch word for rabbit is “konijn”. (3) The areas was once inhabited by the Konoh, or Bear, tribe. Records from all these times are spotty or non-existent so we may never know exactly how Coney Island got its name.

– NYC has 8 public beaches, a total of 14 miles.

– NYC’s waters are inhabited by an abundance of wildlife includes dolphins, porpoises, seals, and 6 species of whales. Organizations such as Gotham Whale offer boat trips into New York Bay and Hudson Canyon.

– NYC was once the oyster capital of the world. Unfortunately they were harvested to near extinction. Now projects such as Billion Oyster Project are repopulating our waters with oysters.

If you get the chance, whether you’re a local New Yorker or visiting, I highly encourage a trip to Coney Island, a unique NYC experience.

creativity

Honoring Phineas in his favorite part of Central Park

Christa Avampato

Get yourself a friend like this: Ashley painted my soul dog, not once but twice, and then on her day off from her intense job went with me to Central Park to commemorate him by taking photos under his favorite cherry trees in full bloom of the paintings she painted and the felt likeness of him given to me by another sweet friend.

The locket I’m wearing has a lock of Phin’s hair in it. Phinny was certainly with us as we saw 5 dachshunds on our visit. His way of saying, “Hi, Mom! Hi, Ashley! I love you.” A pair of them, Otto and Oliver, were just 7 months old. Their dads had lost their 13-year-old dachshund, Arthur, a year before getting Otto and Oliver. “Nothing can bring the joy of your dog back as much as another dog.”

It’s been 3 months since Phinny passed away in my arms. This visit to his favorite part of the park during his favorite time of year with my dear friend did my broken heart so much good. I realize now this grief will never leave me. I’m learning how to carry it while also finding joy every day. We contain multitudes. Phinny is still teaching me. He’s always teaching me. Our love story continues. 💗🐶💗🌸💚🌸

creativity

Trust the timing of your life

Christa Avampato
Flowering trees in my Brooklyn neighborhood. Photo by Christa Avampato.

Yesterday I should have been inside working but the warmth and sun kept me outside most of the day. I was walking around gobsmacked by my beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood bursting with flowering trees. Cherry, apple, pink dogwood, lilac, redbud.

I’ve been thinking of buying a small home outside the city. On my walk yesterday I realized my neighborhood has everything I want and then some. Walkable, friendly neighborhood feel, plenty of green space, good public transit, 20 minutes by train to the beach and 20 minutes by train into Manhattan, delicious food, local shops. And unlike most other New York City neighborhoods, it’s mostly single-family homes. I ended up in exactly the right place, exactly where I wanted to be. So now I’m thinking about buying a home right here.

Sometimes, I wish I’d already done certain things. I wish I’d already met the love of my life, owned a home, had or created my dream job. And then I remember how important it is to trust the timing of our lives. Maybe I haven’t been ready for any of those things until now. And because none of that has materialized yet, I did lots of other things that have been wonderful in their own right. Maybe there were certain things I needed to learn first.

It may have taken longer than I would have liked to reach this point in life, but we arrive when we arrive. Maybe I had to travel through many other lives first to fully appreciate this moment, when anything and everything feels possible. I see my dog, Phineas, in all of it. He led me right to where I needed to be, and only then did he know it was okay to go. I just wish he was still here to see own home in springtime.

(Below are photos I took in my Brooklyn neighborhood. I can’t believe I live here!)

creativity

Brooklyn’s flowering trees and a necklace to honor my dog, Phineas

Christa Avampato

Magnolias in Brooklyn. Photo by Christa Avampato.

This is my first spring in my new neighborhood in Brooklyn and it’s loaded with flowering trees! I went out for a long walks over the last few days, taking in the warmth and light, the scent of flowers, and the explosion of colors. My dog, Phinny, would have loved these days. I loved them for both of us.

Cherry blossoms in historic Green-wood Cemetery, Brooklyn. Photo by Christa Avampato.

It’s hard to believe Phin passed away two months ago. I’ve been looking for a locket for a few months to carry him with me everywhere I go. On Monday, the day of the eclipse!, this one arrived. It has a blue forget-me-not flower pressed into the front. It now holds a lock of Phinny’s fur. All he ever wanted in life was to always be with me. I took him with me whenever I could (and then some!) Spiritually, he’s forever with me. Now, he’s physically with me always, too, and we’re traveling together. Our love story continues.

Me in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, wearing the locket honoring my dog, Phineas.

Today is also the anniversary of the founding of the ASPCA in New York City in 1866. Phinny prompted me to become a monthly donor almost 9 years ago for his birthday. I’m so grateful for their work and honored to support their lifesaving mission for all these years.

My soul dog, Phineas, on a healthy and happy day in Central Park, Manhattan. Photo by Christa Avampato.

It’s also national hug your dog day. I wish I could hug Phineas today, so please hug your dogs for me. They are never with us long enough no matter how long their lives are. Love every day you get with yours. Here are some blooms to brighten your Wednesday.

Cherry blossoms in Brooklyn. Photo by Christa Avampato.
creativity

Could the northeast earthquake on April 5th be a result of climate change?

Christa Avampato
USGS Shake Map for April 5, 2024 New Jersey earthquake https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000ma74/shakemap/intensity

Yesterday while the northeast coast of the U.S. was reeling from a 4.8-magnitude earthquake and aftershocks, I was wondering if climate change could be playing any role in it. In a word, yes it can. Because of climate change, we may be at the beginning of a wave of increased seismic activity. Here’s the short of it from the World Economic Forum and The Conversation:

  • Climate change could cause more earthquakes and volcanic eruptions by increasing the weight of water on the Earth’s crust from increased precipitation and glacial melt.
  • When glaciers melt, the water can seep into cracks in the Earth’s crust, causing them to widen and weaken.
  • This can lead to earthquakes, especially in areas that are already seismically active.
  • Climate change can also cause more volcanic eruptions by increasing the amount of magma in the Earth’s mantle.

The tristate area has been caught in a seemingly endless cycle of storms and torrential rain so far in 2024. In March, New York City had double the amount of rain it usually has and April’s pattern is predicted to be similar. Geologists have previously explored the relationship between heavy rainfall and tremors in the Earth’s crust. Heavy downpours have triggered a pattern of seismic activity in some parts of the world such as the Himalayas but exactly how much rain is needed and what the full causal impact is still requires more research. Some climate models show more precipitation related to climate change is likely to trigger earthquakes and volcanoes in areas prone to them. 

The impact on seismic activity isn’t limited to precipitation. Remember, the determining factor is the change in the weight of water in the Earth’s crust. We must also account for the impact of climate change on the melting of glaciers as well. As the glaciers melt not only does that water seep into the Earth’s crust, but the melting glaciers also reduce the weight and pressure on the land that was under the glaciers. This release causes the land to rise, similar to a spring that was compressed and then releases once that compression is removed. When the last ice age ended ~10,000 years ago, the receding of the glaciers caused some of the land in Scotland to rise 45 meters above sea level! This kind of release can cause a spike in earthquakes, and historically some of these spikes have been severe in areas such as Scandinavia. 

In short, climate change may deliver a triple threat for earthquake activity: increasing the weight of water in the Earth’s crust from both an increased amount of rainfall and rapidly melting glaciers, and the added risk to the rising of land once the weight of those glaciers lightens or disappears altogether. The interconnections between all of the Earth’s systems and features is a delicate balance. Life on Earth has benefitted from a long stretch of stability and harmony. Our exploitation of nature, particularly our addiction to the drilling for and burning of fossil fuels, has put that stability and balance in jeopardy on numerous levels, many of which we’re only just beginning to understand. 

Nature is talking to us. Nature is warning us. Her voice and warnings will grow louder if we don’t listen and take action. Our artificial systems and incentives that we’ve invented in our economy and society will be no match for the wrath of nature. No amount of money nor ingenuity nor technology will protect us nor immunize us from the impacts of destroying the balance of natural systems on which we all depend. 

Every action we take now to reduce warming matters. The impacts of climate change are not for some distant generation. They are happening to us right now, and they will continue to happen and increase in intensity until we realize harmony with nature is the surest path to prosperity, health, wealth, and wellbeing for all beings. 

creativity

What does a sustainable New York City look like?

Christa Avampato
Sustainable New York City. Created by Christa Avampato and Canva Magic Studio AI.

What does a sustainable New York City look like to you? I imagine lush micro gardens, biophilic architecture (a building methods that connects people with nature), rooftop farms, and clean transit, air, and water as pathways that give people, plants, and wildlife the opportunity to live side-by-side-by-side in ways that benefit all.

In biomimicry, we begin our design process by asking how nature would solve a specific problem we have with a question framed as “How would nature (the problem we want to solve)?”. My question above would be framed as “How would nature build a sustainable New York City?” This is a question that has occupied by headspace for years as I traverse through different projects and future visioning sessions.

In the spirit of an image being worth 1,000 words, I created these images with Canva Magic Studio AI to show how nature might build a sustainable New York. Is this a city you’d like to visit? Is this a city where you’d be happy to live? What are the first steps we can take now to make this our New York?

creativity

Humans aren’t wired to protect nature—but that’s not the whole story

Christa Avampato
“People partner with nature”. I created this image with the help of Canva’s Magic Media AI tool 

As a storyteller and sustainability advocate I focus on people who aren’t committed (yet) to protecting nature because that’s where the greatest change happens. This means I’m often faced with people who deny climate change, feel hopeless, or think technology and / or someone else will restore the planet’s health. 

As you can imagine, I have to employ a number of tactics to remain optimistic and motivated. One way I do this is by listening to podcasts about people doing incredible work in nature. I’m passionate about rewilding, or as David Balharry, CEO of Scotland’s John Muir Trust, reframes it “nature’s freedom to repair itself”. This passion led me to Ben Goldsmith’s Rewilding the World podcast. Ben spoke to David in episode 1 of the second season. They discuss rewilding the Scottish Highlands, an area I’m hoping to visit this summer. 

The entire episode is enlightening, and one point in particular helped me. No species in history, humans included, has ever been hardwired to protect the planet. They (we) are hardwired to promote the successful perpetuation of our genetics. Said another way, at their base all living things first focus on their future generations surviving and thriving. This means people aren’t naturally focused on environmental conservation. It must be intentional. It’s a skill that takes practice. Therefore, the work I’m doing with naysayers, the hopeless, and technocrats is training and re-skilling them. I’m a teacher, a guide, and learning takes times. That reframe is helping me think about my work with more compassion and patience. 

I also want to be clear that our instinct for genetic survival is only part of who we are. Human beings have an enormous cerebral cortex unique (as far as we know) in the animal kingdom. Our brains simultaneously act and reflect on our actions to inform our future behavior and shape our thoughts. We can think long-term, imagine future scenarios, and bring them to fruition, even if we don’t always exercise that ability as deftly as we could. 

Our long-term planning capabilities make us unique and distinct from other species. This doesn’t mean we’re smarter, wiser, or superior. It means we have a responsibility to be conscientious global citizens who care for each other and future generations, other species with whom we share this planet, and ecosystems that make our existence possible. 

Over half of our global GDP depends on nature, in addition to providing our basic needs for clean air, water, and food. We can’t live without nature. If we’re thoughtful about our behavior, we can help nature help us. Scientist Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s research shows humans can assist and enhance nature’s regeneration. That’s a partnership and story well worth the investment of our time, efforts, and money. 

creativity

The generosity of people I’m interviewing for my dissertation in sustainability leadership

Christa Avampato
Photo by Niilo Isotalo on Unsplash

I’m astounded by the generosity of people I’m interviewing for my University of Cambridge dissertation in Sustainability Leadership. I’ve had or scheduled interviews with over 40 family office leaders, experienced climate communicators, and seasoned storytellers who have provided me with an incredible number and array of insights. I’m so grateful to all of them. My research question is how to use storytelling to connect family offices with climate entrepreneurs for mutual benefit and to safeguard the health of the planet as nature underpins half of our global GDP. If you or someone you know may be interested in talking to me, I’d love to chat. Let’s build a healthy world for all beings, together.

creativity

#Sundaybuffet – January 7, 2024

Christa Avampato

Every Sunday on Instagram (@christarosenyc), I create a #Sundaybuffet post that highlights the top 10 things that inspired me, brought me joy and wonder, and made me laugh that week as part of my gratitude practice. I’d love to have you join me on Instagram and I’d love to know what inspires you. The images below are my #Sundaybuffet this week, along with a description, attribution, and the Instagram accounts for each one.

Here’s to being alive, healthy, and grateful in this beautiful world. I hope your Sunday is filled with love in all its wondrous forms.

@smithsonianmagazine @tzahi_finkelstein -Tzahi’s image of the happy turtle and dragon fly was short-listed for Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award at London’s @natural_history_museum

@USinterior @hikester_ –January 5th was National Bird Day. This photo of a bald eagle in Idaho was taken by Derek Butler, an Irish photographer. There was a record number of bald eagles observed at Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho in December – 409

January 5th was also my awesome niece, @lorelei_waldrep_08 ’s, 16th birthday. I remember the exact moment I first met her as a baby, and she is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about protecting the health of the planet—so she has a future to look forward to.

@Blacksun_awaken –Helena Bonham Carter is a queen. I love her perspective on the art in everything

@amyselwynphotographer –Stunning image “the journey felt enormous” is a collaboration between her imagination and AI platform @mid.journey. I’m really interested in learning more about AI for visual climate storytelling, and Amy’s work is a beacon of how to do this well.

@NewYorkerMag @rachsyme @the.irving.penn.foundation @vogue –Arctic explorer Peter Freuchen & his chic wife, Dagmar Cohn. Opposite attract!

@Sweatpantsandcoffee –How I like to spend every Sunday morning if I’m honest – in sweatpants, coffee in hand, and reading inspiring words. This post by writer and artist Nanea Hoffman about how we are born of stars is the crux of my @iamEmersonPage novels.

@Victoriaericksonwriter –Let love in!

@Secret.London @AshCrossan –Nothing better than a cozy pub on a blustery day. In the U.S., we don’t have the Sunday roast tradition but I’m going to start making Sunday roast in my Brooklyn apartment to make winter more joyful.

@tanner_smiths –shabby chic meets gangster-inspired décor at this speakeasy in midtown Manhattan. It looks unassuming from the outside and is a favorite spot of mine to meet up with friends. They’re all-in on the steampunk /1920s aesthetic I love. Their cocktail (and mocktail!) list as well as their food is top-notch. I was here this week for the launch of @fringepress, @bookpipeline’s latest project.

creativity

The good news from 2023

Christa Avampato
Redwoods in California show new shoots after a forest fire. Photo by Melissa Enright – US Forest Service

“Sometimes I think heaven is just a new pair of glasses…if I put on the better pair of glasses, I really notice what’s still working [well in this world].” ~Anne Lamott

As I look around at our world plagued by war, the climate crisis, and a seemingly endless stream of difficulties, I’ve been thinking a lot about Anne Lamott’s quote about putting on a better pair of glasses and operating from that lens. It doesn’t mean I’m ignoring the challenges and their scale; I’m seeing them alongside the progress, joy, and good news that’s alive in the world. A sampling of good news if you need a boost:

– Transplanted corals in the Caribbean showed a 98% survival rate

– A newly discovered bacteria eats carbon dioxide at an astonishing rate and if scaled, could be a partial solution to our climate crisis

– Brightline, the first new privately-held train company in the U.S. in 100 years, began operations in Florida

– In 2023, the U.S. spent $8.2 billion USD for new rail projects in 44 states, including the first bullet train that goes from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in 2 hours

– Electric car sales are up 68% over last year

– The FDA approved the first medication for postpartum depression and the first over-the-counter birth control pills, improving access to necessary healthcare for millions of women. New treatments for Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and obesity were also released, along with the use of AI to find breast cancer at its earliest stages when it is often missed in traditional mammograms.

– The new President of Brazil has slowed deforestation by 48% in only the last 8 months

– A 10-year project turned Latin America’s largest landfill into a thriving mangrove forest

– The California wildfires in 2023 damaged numerous redwood trees that can live for 2500+ years. However, in the process we learned these redwoods have always had a backup plan – new green shoots of new redwoods, harbored for centuries in the damaged trees, have sprung to life and carry the hope of repopulating those forests.

– AI has also been used to identify the beginning of wildfires before any people ever knew they were happening, allowing them to be extinguished before they burned out of control.

– A hole in the ozone layer is on track to completely disappear

– A universal flu vaccine begins trials

– Southern white rhinos are now back in the Congo after 17 years

– A new drug to treat Parkinson’s begins Phase III trials