More than 90 percent of global trade today is carried out through ships — about 53,000 business ships trading internationally. That number seems to increase quickly. A 2019 study, led by researchers at McGill University in Canada, has predicted (预测) an increase in ocean traffic of anything between 240 and 1209 percent by 2050. In preparation for this increase, scientists and engineers around the world are dealing with the difficult question of how to navigate (航行) more safely.

On the west coast of the US, one such group has a single target-whales. The region is home to not only busy international ports but also the rich feeding grounds of blue, humpback and fin whales. As a result of crossovers, ship strikes are thought to be one of the leading causes of death for whale populations.

Dr Briana Abrahms, a research ecologist at NOAA Fisheries’ Southwest Fisheries Science Center, is developing an app that will allow managers and ship members to be alarmed to the possible location of blue whales. It is based on the group’s new model which predicts whale movements based on the oceanographic conditions. “Ocean conditions can change on a daily basis,” Abrahms explains. “We know what conditions the whales like, so every single day we can look at where those conditions are and predict where the whales will go.”

Of course, knowing where the whales are is hardly effective if captains ignore the information. Abrahms admits that voluntary slow-down plans for large ships on the east coast of the US (slower ships being less likely to kill whales) have seen low levels of obedience (遵守). Her hope is that more accurate data will encourage owners and managers to respond. “Part of the reason we think for the low obedience is that there isn’t much confidence among the shipping industry. If you say ‘slow down between July and November’, the shipping industry doesn’t believe that there is actually a whale there. By making it more accurate in predicting whales, we’re hoping our app will help,” Abrahms said.

Looking for a way to connect with nature but you're not sure how to when you live in the city? Here are a few ways to live in harmony with nature and reduce your pressure.

Go on a wildlife walk.

There’s lots of urban wildlife for you to discover, so you can reach out to your city park departments to get some valuable information. 【小题1】 . A wildlife walk is one of the easiest ways to connect with nature because it helps you to realize that you're surrounded (围绕) by nature.

【小题2】 .

Nothing will make you feel as closely connected with the earth as walking without shoes on grass for a couple of minutes. This very direct connection with nature will make you realize that you're part of the huge world, helping you to relax and feel calmer.

Attract nature yourself.

One of the best ways to connect with nature is to make it come to you. 【小题3】 . You can also fill some tubs (盆) with flowers to attract butterflies. Create a friendly place for nature and you're sure to attract all kinds of beings passing close to your home.

Create a small garden.

Plants and flowers are part of nature as well and even the tiniest amount of space can be turned into a beautiful garden. If you’ve got a balcony (阳台), fill it with pots full of flowers. 【小题4】. Imagine how satisfying it would be to share them with your friends and family.

Use these tips for connecting with nature and living a more comfortable lifestyle in a big city. 【小题5】 .

Within the beautiful scenery of Wisconsin’s Lake Chippewa lies a natural wonder that is a unique challenge for the local community. This hidden wonder is exactly a giant floating island. The island, made up of plants and trees, sometimes floats around the lake, causing a major inconvenience by blocking (阻塞) an important bridge. Later, the local people came up with a solution to this problem. Every year, local boat owners work together and push the island away from the bridge.

Lake Chippewa was born in 1923 when a vast bog (沼泽) was changed through flooding. Soon after that, many of the dark bogs started rising to the surface and became perfect growing places for plants, with seeds carried by wind and wild birds to this floating place. Over the years, these bogs have grown plants and trees and turned into full islands. As time goes by, plants take root, and the oldest islands even have trees that act as sails (船帆) when the wind blows, moving the entire floating island around the lake.

Although the years-old floating island does not relocate (重新迁移) so often, when it does, it causes trouble for the community by blocking the important bridge that serves as the only passage between the lake’s East and West sides. The only solution is to gather a group of boats, and not just one or two, but dozens of boats working together to push the island away. “It takes a community’s effort, and you must have the winds at your back to push them in,” said a resident. Moving the island also requires precision (精确), as just relocating it a short distance may result in its return within days.

Some people have suggested destroying the floating islands to get rid of the problem. However, the big bog in Lake Chippewa has been around for many years, and during that time a variety of animal and plant species have made it their home. Therefore, local government advises they be dealt with in a way that won’t do harm to wildlife, paying more attention to the fine-drawn balance between human convenience and environmental protection. The annual tradition of relocating Lake Chippewa’s floating island is evidence to the coexistence of man and nature, a heartwarming display of community unity, and a reminder of the importance of preserving the unique areas that enrich our world.