We Ignored The Signs For Too Long — Now The Cost Will Be Paid By Everyone

In 1966, my parents' union was illegal in Maryland, prompting their relocation to the West. By my birth in 1973, they had settled in Monterey County, California, coinciding with the closure of the last cannery on Cannery Row. The Hovden Cannery's shutdown symbolized an era's end, paving the way for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a testament to lost and renewed hopes.At 12, I became the youngest aquarium guide, sharing insights on kelp forests, sea otters, and sardine recoveries. The ocean demonstrated resilience. However, current expert insights indicate we face a dire lesson about climate tipping points—one likely to yield widespread unrest across America.Recently, scientists confirmed coral reefs, crucial for marine life, are collapsing irreversibly. The implications extend beyond the ocean, threatening global food security as ecosystems destabilize. Action is paramount; engaging in sustainable practices should be prioritized to create lasting change and prevent catastrophic consequences.