A Taste of Our Ecosystem: How do we thrive when the ecosystem around us is suffering a slow & pa
The organisms around us are modifying and so we, too, need to open our eyes, and alter alongside the earth. This is one of several issues that the human population is facing and should be aware of.
One of which you may have already noticed here in the Northeast: there
have been warmer days this past winter season than actual snow days. In addition, sea levels are rising especially in the Northeast due to increased global warming emissions in larger cities. Though we may enjoy the warm weather in the middle of winter, it can reduce crop yield in the agricultural business, increase rainfall and flooding, and put a strain on human health through air pollution. RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) is taking action and trying to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the Northeast, and should not be overlooked simply because college students in the Northeast enjoy 70 degree weather while walking to class. Although we may enjoy walking to class in sunny weather, we should also understand that food availability, air conditions, and rising sea levels are critical issues that cannot be ignored.
The Great Barrier Reef is only one of the many ecological victims of our drastic climate change. Over 25 million years old, this reef in Queensland, Australia is slowly depleting before our eyes. However, it is not too late. There are several actions we can take to revive and protect this coral reef ecosystem that tourists love to snorkel in. More than just a tourist attraction, The Great Barrier Reef is a home to “134 species of sharks and rays, six of the world's seven species of threatened marine turtles, and more than 30 species of marine mammals, including the vulnerable dugong” (World Wildlife, Date). Unfortunately, the destruction of this beautiful coral reef is caused by nearby garbage disposals, bleaching, fishing, and emission of fossil fuels that threaten both the flora and fauna of this diverse ecosystem; however, it is not dead yet, and there are programs enacted to try to recover this important ecosystem.
Some well known endangered animals include the blade horned chameleon, pacific bluefin tuna, bumblebees, american eel, kaputar pink slug, and the chinese cobra. Also, the amur leopard is endangered with only about 35 species left in the wild.
The decrease in numbers for such animals can be caused by factors such as habitat loss, illegal poaching and hunting, and climate change. Each of these species are being watched over by organization such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, World Wildlife Fund, and many more. Monitoring and placing laws to stop poaching and other forms of ecological destruction serves a critical role in the preservation and protection of species on this Earth.
These are just some topics that are up to further discussion in our environmental ecosystem, but there are a plethora of more issues. The human society should use the power of the media to express the need for the care of Earth. The reality is that organisms are dying at the hands of mankind, and our eyes should be opened. We must serve as advocates for animals because they have no voice or influence on our political climate. As humans, we should live mindful of the fact that we share this planet with thousands of organisms that deserve our respect and kindness.
Works Cited
"Australia's Great Barrier Reef under Threat." WWF. World Wildlife Fund, 09 Feb. 2015. Web.
"Climate Impacts in the Northeast." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 22 Dec. 2016. Web.
"Global Warming in the Northeast." Union of Concerned Scientists. N.p., n.d. Web.
Lewis, Sophie. "The Great Barrier Reef Is Not Actually Dead." CNN. Cable News Network, 14 Oct. 2016. Web.
McLendon, Russell. "Meet 7 New Endangered Species on the IUCN Red List." MNN - Mother Nature Network. Mother Nature Network, 28 June 2015. Web.
Writer, Leaf Group. "Groups That Are Helping to Protect Endangered Species." Animals - Mom.me. Mom.me, 02 June 2013. Web.