The arctic may seem like a lifeless, frozen plot of land, however, during the summer it is buzzing with life. Many of the plants found in the arctic rely on a plethora of insects for pollination, much like other plants in the world. Surprisingly, the main pollinators of the arctic are small flies, similar to the common housefly. Currently, due to climate change, arctic flies are disappearing at an alarming rate. An element of this decline may be due to an increasing temporal mismatch between flies and their flower resources. There are multiple types of flies who pollinate arctic plants, but they all work together to create an healthy ecosystem.
I believe that it is important to ensure that these environments are kept stable. With the influence of climate change, it is important that we keep plants alive and well so that they can produce more oxygen and overall work to prevent further global warming. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160928083218.htm
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Climate change is one of the most pertinent issues of our time, and even though scientific evidence can support this claim, some still choose to deny the existence of climate change. One argument that many skeptical individuals present is that animals and plants can adapt to global warming. They believe that since the earth has gone through so many extreme temperature phases over time that plants and animals can just get used to it without being negatively impacted. However, scientific evidence shows us that a significant number of plants and animals have gone extinct due to climate change. Also, animals who rely on migration as their routine cannot adapt or comprehend the climate change, and therefore their natural cycles are disturbed and their species is hurt overall. Another argument that skeptics present is that glaciers are actually growing rather than melting. According to JamulBlog, reports have been coming in saying that glaciers in Alaska, Canada, New Zeland, Greenland, and Norway are growing. However, glaciers have been receding at an alarming rate. The documentary entitled Chasing Ice provides insight and evidence showing how rapidly these structures of ice have been depleted. That only points to one cause, climate change. Over 98% of glaciers are shrinking all throughout the world. Overall, global warming and climate change is a serious problem that can only be solved through acceptance and awareness.
In the countries of Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Colombia, leaders are gathering to discuss the establishment of reserves that will protect all types of marine life. In total, the nations' 83,600 square miles of ocean are home to some of the most bio-diverse ecosystems in the world. However, recent threats to aquatic life like poaching, pollution, and acidic oceans has endangered these environments for several years. The president of Colombia has already gone to extreme measures, establishing a sanctuary that covers more than 10,000 square miles of coastline; this sanctuary will protect one of the world's largest shark populations. Additionally, these countries have made a pledge to protect at least 10% of the world's oceans by the year 2020. They are so committed to this pledge that they have even taken the measure of establishing a surveillance system, which will help them arrest and prosecute poachers. These actions have led to a greater amount of biodiversity in this region, with sea lions, reef sharks, fish, and all types of other creatures thriving in their protected environment.
I see these actions as a step towards reducing negative human impact on our oceans. Due to the fact that the biodiversity in the Galapagos region is increasing, we can infer that species who have previously been endangered or threatened. This foreshadows an increase of all types of species and might encourage the leaders to take action on the pertinent issue of our oceans. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/09/new-marine-highways-announced/ The giant panda, a species of panda originating from Chinese bamboo forests, are no longer endangered. This species has been a poster species for conservation efforts around the world, such as World Wildlife Fund. Due to conservation efforts, like the establishment of reserves and regulations against poaching, the panda population has increased by over 17% since 2014; a huge accomplishment, considering the species has been endangered for over 50 years. The increase of safe habitats has helped these pandas recover from a harsh period of being on the verge of extinction. However, the conservation efforts do not stop here. In order to ensure that the giant panda population thrives for future generations, people need to continue to be considerate when it comes to this newly recovered species. Even though we are seeing a recent triumph for the giant panda, other species, such as the African eastern gorilla is becoming critically extinct, with their population declining by over 70% within the last 20 years. Endangered species is a threatening issue, but with effort and conservation, the lives of many animals can be saved.
I think that the recent accomplishments of the Chinese government are impressive and should be a model for many other countries with endangered species all over the world. However, I also believe that these efforts should be a continual effort. Many other species, like the great apes mentioned in the article, are suffering more than ever. I see the story of the giant pandas as an inspiration because it shows that with dedication, society can truly make a difference and replenish endangered species and liberate them of their suffering. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/09/pandas-vulnerable-endangered-species/ |
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November 2016
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