Life found in the ocean is a vital part of the global ecosystem. Greenhouse gases and pollution have been negatively impacting this valuable ecosystem. It is time for the mankind to start realizing its responsibilities and take appropriate measures to protect and preserve our ocean ecosystems.
Changing weather- A global concern
It is quite unfortunate that in the pursuit of advanced development in the field of technology and industrialization humankind has devastated nature to a great extent. The consequences are simply right in front of us. Adverse climatic changes and global warming are now a common and very serious issue. Due to unpredictable climatic changes, the agricultural sector cannot anticipate rain or sunlight properly. Natural calamities are destroying lives and properties.
These climatic changes due to global warming and our continued spread of pollution in our environment have now become a matter of debate among different nations.
The impact of changing weather is not confined to terrestrial environments or ecosystems only. Our oceans are also adversely getting affected due to the consequences of our actions. While industrialization, modernization and development have been considered to be a ‘necessary evil’ for the progress and benefit of the human race, its consequences on our eco-systems and environments are now taking root. Aside from the toll, it has taken inland, humanity's disregard for nature has now also affected weather patterns in the ocean that have been found to be unfavorable to marine life in those oceans. Life which have for centuries fed the human race.
According to a renowned expert of the National Oceanography Center
Before, the Atlantic Ocean used to have a very good number of exotic visitors making a visit during the summer time for breeding and in the search of food. Due to the changes in the coastal temperatures, these migratory birds are no longer making any more visits to the area. Tourists who would flock to the Atlantic Coast
Cold weather conditions
When the temperature of the ocean decreases, it results in several harmful physiological effects on different marine species. The most severe problems are faced by the Manatees and the sea turtles because it is hard for them to easily adjust to the reduced temperature of the oceans. In addition, excessive fishing by the humans also contributes to the decrease in the temperature of the ocean in addition to depleting sources of food and protein.
The presence of a good fish population in the ocean ecosystems generally keeps the temperature high and the marine species do not get influenced by the adverse weather change. Improper weather conditions and temperature variances can generate life-threatening situations for these species.
Necessary steps:
- It is necessary to understand that proper conservation of some marine species can play a very pivotal role in managing external weather conditions. There are a number of species of fish and crab that can easily maintain the temperature of the surrounding waters.
- Pollution of the oceans done by humans is also one of the serious issues of concern. It is time to take some decisive steps to reduce the interference of the humans in the balance of the ocean ecosystem.
- Greenhouse gases also result in bad weather patterns and affect the life in the oceans. Necessary measures to address greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in general are needed now, not later.
Our oceans and the life within it provide the human race with a means of livelihood and a source of food. The oceans and the life within them are now in trouble, and we hold a large of the blame for this development. It is now our turn to help life in the ocean and conserve them for posterity. When you really think about it, when we go about saving and preserving our ocean ecosystems, we are in a way, also working towards securing our future.
2011 Moira G Gallaga©
