U.S.WEEKEND NATURE

How the quirky puffin became a symbol of the climate crisis

A nature historian's new book extract argues that technology could help the seabird survive, as centuries of hunting gave way to affection; the puffin remains unconsulted.

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on Weekend Edition
Published 7:31 AM ET, Saturday, October 17, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The Guardian: “How the quirky puffin became a symbol of the climate crisis – and hope”.
Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7:31 AM ET on Weekend Edition, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The GuardianHow the quirky puffin became a symbol of the climate crisis – and hope

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe puffin, once harvested by the thousand for food and feathers, is now a climate symbol, and a nature historian says technology could help the seabird survive.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorPeople went from eating them to adoring that comical face. I call that a lovely career change.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorAdored by the same species that ate them. The puffin should check the fine print.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorRead it twice.