Along the West Coast, toxic algae are severely harming marine life and could potentially harm humans. As the climate change increases, the water temperature is increasing, which allows more algae to prosper. Algae is at a record high and researchers are predicting that the amount will continue to increase. Not only is the West Coast of California being affected, but other large bodies of waters as well, "algae blooms suffocated millions of salmon in South America, enough to fill 14 Olympic swimming pools." If humans eat shellfish that have been exposed to this toxic sludge, they could seize up and potentially die. Biologists have also concluded that the waste and fertilizer that washes into the Mississippi River has also caused the algae to grow. Even Alaska is seeing the algae affect their marine life. Some animals that have reportedly been affected by these toxins are walrus, beluga, fur seals, and whales. When the marine life becomes exposed to the toxins, they become ill and many die, which affects the food web. When a large pool of animals are wiped out, this causes a loss in the food web and causes the competition for food among animals to increase. Biologists have been investigating the amount of algae affecting animals, but not until recently when they found it in walrus and whales did they wonder if this algae exposure has been a trend among marine life or has this exposure just begun.
This issue is harming sea life and our lives and we need to realize that we are among those at risk. The media does not expose society to these environmental issues enough. We must take a stand against polluting the waters and try to prevent climate change if we do not want to see vast amounts of marine life die out due to the exposure of toxic algae and disruption to the food web. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/toxic-algae/#/05-toxic-algae-california.ngsversion.1471627802177.jpg
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The world is exposed to pollution on a 24/7 basis, yet society has failed to try to work together to prevent further damage to our endangered planet. Since the Industrial Revolution, the amount of pollution that the environment comes in contact with has risen significantly. As pollution from cars, factories, and fires continues, the planet will serve the consequences for humans' self-indulgent habits. The pollution causes the the global climate to increase, which could cause mass extinctions, super drought, and sea level rise. If global temperatures increase above 2 degrees Celsius, society will begin to see the impact on their surroundings and will begin to take action on the situation, but responses should begin now instead of later when the planet is already in deep levels of climate change. An increase in climate will affect everyone. For example, farmers will begin to see the impact when water availability decreases and prices for a source of water to stimulate crop growth increase due to a severe drought. When farmers have to spend more money, food prices will increase for the common consumer. We as a community need to recognize the endangerment the world will face if action is not taken immediately. Social media needs to focus its attention on this issue more often. This global issue is important for all of society to recognize. www.cnn.com/2015/11/30/europe/cop21-why-care-paris-global-warming/index.html |
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April 2017
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