Whaling

Question 1

What role did the development of alternative sources of energy play in the decline of the whaling industry?

WHALING

Answer 1

The development of alternative sources of energy, such as coal and oil, played a significant role in the decline of whaling as a profitable industry. These alternative sources were cheaper and more efficient than whale oil, which had been a major driver of the whaling industry’s profitability for centuries.

Question 2

How did changing attitudes towards animal welfare contribute to the decline of whaling?

WHALING

Answer 2

Changing attitudes towards animal welfare and the environmental impact of whaling led to increased public pressure to end the practice.

The rise of conservation movements and animal welfare organizations helped raise awareness about the cruelty of whaling and its impact on whale populations.

Question 3

What was the significance of the International Whaling Commission in ending commercial whaling?

What happened over 40 years?

WHALING

Answer 3

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was instrumental in ending commercial whaling. The IWC was established in 1946 and was tasked with managing and regulating whaling activities. Over time, the organization’s focus shifted towards conservation, and in 1986, it adopted a global moratorium on commercial whaling.

Question 4

How did economic factors impact the decision to end whaling?

WHALING

Answer 4

Economic factors played a significant role in the decision to end whaling. As alternative energy sources became more widely available and affordable, the profitability of whaling declined. Additionally, declining whale populations and increasing public opposition to the practice made it increasingly difficult for whaling companies to operate.

Kerosene became available - petroleum

Question 5

What can the decline of the whaling industry teach us about the potential for transitioning to renewable energy sources?

• new..?
• shifts in..?
• global..?

WHALING

Answer 5

• New technologies and evolving societal attitudes drive change.
• Transitioning to requires both technological innovation and shifts in societal norms and behaviours.
• Global cooperation in ending whaling provides a hopeful model for addressing climate change.

Question 6

1986

WHALING

Answer 6

1986: ‘Worldwide moratorium - whaling’s had its chips.’

1986: International Whaling Commission issues a worldwide moratorium on commercial whaling

Question 7

Clue: not a president

Answer 7

Abraham Gesner, geologist, author, chemist, inventor (b near Cornwallis, NS 2 May 1797; d at Halifax, NS 29 Apr 1864). Gesner invented kerosene oil and, because of his patents for distilling bituminous material, was a founder of the modern Petroleum Industry.

Beginning about 1846 Gesner developed experiments for distilling “coal oil” from solid hydrocarbons and coined the name “kerosene” for the lamp oil that he had perfected by 1853. He obtained patents in 1854 and a factory was set up under his guidance on Long Island, NY, to manufacture kerosene, which became standard lighting fuel in homes. In 1863 he sold his patents and returned to Halifax where he was appointed professor at Dalhousie.

Canadian

Question 8

Explain why the discovery of kerosene didn’t immediately end whaling

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Answer 8

• It took time for the kerosene industry to develop and become widely available and affordable
• Kerosene did not immediately replace all uses of whale oil, which was also used for lubrication, soap, and other products
• The demand for whale products remained high in some regions, particularly in Japan and other countries with traditional diets and cultures that included whale meat
• There was a lack of international regulation and enforcement of whaling practices prior to the establishment of the International Whaling Commission in 1946

These factors combined to create a long gap of more than 100 years between the first use of kerosene and the end of whaling.