Featured Contributions:

Our new writer, Lee G. Hornbrook, presents "The Big Burn and the Fires in the West," a poignant exploration of his life as a Californian shaped by wildfires. He intricately weaves history, ecology, and a touch of literary elegance into his reflections.

As climate change intensifies, the landscape has become increasingly dry, leaving us in a state of anxious anticipation. Now, fire season has transformed into a year-round reality.

Another new voice, Samuel Sullivan, takes us on a journey with "The Bizarre Behaviors of the Dodo Bird," revealing the unique traits of this species from Mauritius before its tragic extinction due to human actions.

Note: Sam serves as an editor at Frame of Reference, a publication I regularly contribute to, featuring engaging and accessible content.

Dale Lynn offers a thought-provoking piece titled "To Support or Sink Genetically Modified Salmon?" where she reflects on her Alaskan upbringing and the critical discussions surrounding GMO salmon, delving into the scientific pros and cons of genetic modification.

New writer Marla Rose shares "Four Points of Opportunity the Pandemic Created for Animals," highlighting the positive impacts of the pandemic on animal welfare, presenting a refreshing perspective amidst the usual discussions about animal exploitation.

Charlotte Allan contributes a spiritual angle with "How Veganism Accelerates Spiritual Growth." She introduces key concepts like Ahimsa, urging readers to recognize animals as sentient beings deserving of compassion.

In capitalism, every purchase serves as a silent vote. Choosing cruelty-free products and plant-based foods signals our commitment to kindness, while opting for animal products often perpetuates suffering.

From the Editor Nathan Allen:

My article "Why I Identify as Vegan Instead of Plant-Based" addresses a previous piece that I felt oversimplified the vegan philosophy. I present counterarguments and propose a vision for a more inclusive vegan movement.

Adopting veganism doesn’t mean abandoning care for humans; rather, it expands our compassion to include animals. We can advocate for human rights while enjoying our soy lattes.

In related work, I explore the psychology behind veganism in "This is Why You Hate Vegans," examining moral claims and group dynamics. Regardless of your views on veganism, this piece offers valuable insights.

I also delve into the historical role of fire in "The Pyrocene is Here!" — a narrative that reinterprets Earth’s story through the lens of fire. The term "pyrocene," coined by historian Stephen Pyne, describes how fire has profoundly shaped our world.

I find the concept of fire evolving into new species incredibly intriguing. Different fuels burn uniquely, influencing the nature of fire across landscapes and environments.

In "When Saving Animals from Torture is Illegal," I present a fictional narrative to illustrate why the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) mirrors common sentiments about animal welfare. By contrasting the public perception of the ALF’s methods with society's acceptance of animal exploitation, I argue that the ALF's tactics, while controversial, stem from a shared ethical foundation.

New Opportunity for Writers!

I am excited to announce the introduction of a new section called "chirps" in Pollen, inspired by the brief communications of crickets. This will feature shortform pieces that convey information concisely.

Think of chirps as brief updates or reflections — a bit longer than a tweet but not quite an article. I encourage our writers to share short contributions for this section! Here are some guidelines:

• Keep it SHORT: 150 words or fewer!
• Omit the headline. Simply bold the first sentence to serve as your title.
• If including an image, limit it to one.
• Use the embed feature to link relevant sources.

Inspiration can come from news highlights, sustainability tips, or quick personal anecdotes.

If you have questions, check out this chirp I just published:

Stay Curious,

Nate.