Human Influences on the Global Ocean
Humans have been impacting the world’s oceans in many ways. Some of these impacts include climate change, pollution, and new uses for the ocean. This article looks at the current state of the ocean and some ways we are affecting it.
New Uses Of The Ocean
Various scientific studies have shown that climate change dramatically affects the ocean, including changing its chemistry. These changes are also adversely affecting the ecosystems that the ocean supports.
The changes in the ocean have been associated with increased sea levels, increased ocean temperature, and a shift in the distribution of species. These concurrent environmental shifts profoundly impact the food web and marine ecosystems.
In addition, as the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide, it becomes more acidic. This increases the rate of deoxygenation. This leads to behavioral changes, disease, and reduced growth.
One of the most important ways of combating deoxygenation is by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Another step is to cut back on black carbon and nutrient discharges. Daniel Keller Naples florida has written articles on the ocean and what we can do about it to counterattack all those issues it is facing nowadays.
Plastic Pollution
Floating and marine plastic debris are significant threats to oceans and ecosystems. It affects biodiversity, ecological functions, and climate change. It also poses a severe threat to human health and food safety.
It is estimated that 80 percent of marine debris is plastic. Some of this plastic breaks down into smaller plastic particles. Sea animals and fish easily ingest these tiny particles. These are known as microplastics.
The plastic ingested by marine animals and fish can cause intestinal injury and starvation. It can also transfer to other animals on the food chain. The toxic chemicals in plastic accumulate in the food web. This can lead to a behavioral disorder and disease.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast floating landfill between Hawaii and California. It’s estimated that tens of thousands of seabirds die each year with full stomachs of plastic waste.
Climate Change
During the last two decades, the ocean has experienced widespread changes. Many species are now more sensitive to warmer temperatures, and some sea life migrates to cooler water at the poles.
As the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide, it becomes more acidic. This disrupts the sequestration of carbon by other species. In addition, it can lead to sea level rise and ice melting.
The world’s oceans absorb over 90 percent of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gas emissions. The increased heat is also causing an increase in marine heat waves. The frequency of these events has likely doubled since 1982. This has complex effects on weather patterns in the Pacific Ocean.
The increased heat will likely lead to more powerful hurricanes and more severe tropical cyclones. There is also a high risk of irreversible loss of ocean ecosystems.
Drilling And Mining
Despite its potential to wreak havoc on marine life, drilling and mining impacts on the World Ocean are still unregulated and unstudied. … Read More...
