Even though the Sahara desert is reognized today as one of the most recognizable and pertinent deserts on earth, as little as 6,000 years ago, the Sahara desert was covered in grasslands that recieved plenty of rainfall, but shifts in the world's weather patterns transformed the vegetated region into some of the driest land on Earth. Researchers from Texas A&M University are trying to see what exactly caused this enormous climate transformation. One of the reasons for this change could have been due to the fact that the tropical rain belt moved north, which would contribute to the dryness of the area. Research has shown that many rain patterns have been known to move over time. I believe this is important because with these findings and advancement in the knowledge of rain patterns, we can larn to predict rainfall patterns in the future. We can also figure out how outside factors, like human activity, can contribute to rain patterns and their migration. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161130141053.htm
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Climate change itself is the single most dangerous threat to a vast majority of the animal kingdom by reducing biodiversity. When it comes to amphibians like the European tree frog, the Mediterranean tree frog and the Iberian painted frog, scientists have found that the climate changes actually have effected their dietary choices. Amphibians are a group that is highly sensitive to global warming due to the permeability of their skin and their complex lifecycle, which combines an aquatic stage as larvae and a terrestrial stage when young and as adults. Scientists conducted an experiment in which they placed the three different frog species in different climates to see how they would react. The most important result is that these larvae have very flexible dietary habits. All three species increased the percentage of vegetables consumed during heat waves.
This experiment shows that even though climate change has created endangerment and extinction, some species are able to adapt to climactic changes. They favor a vegetarian diet when exposed to warmer climates, and it is unknown how many other species share this trait. I believe it is important fpr us to be informed on these species' coping mechanisms to climate change. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161103115201.htm When we chose to or don't chose to eat products that contribute to phosphorus output, we make a choice that greatly impacts the global phosphorous footprint, according to Frontiers in Nutrition. Mined phosphate rock is a non-renewable global resource that is nowadays becoming increasingly scarce which poses a severe problem to the farming industry: it needs phosphorus in the form of fertilizers to sustain crop productivity. The loss of phosphorus can lead to serious water degradation, whether it is caused by agricultural runoff or sewers. As the human population increases, our long-term food security and water quality are therefore threatened by the increased demand for phosphorus fertilizers. Therefore, scientists say that transitioning to a plant based diet can reduce mined phosphorus. This shows that the way we eat can contribute to the overall condition of the environment. I see this article as a way to show readers that despite the commonly shared belief that individuals cannot improve or harm the environment on their own, things as simple as the way they eat or products they chose to buy have an effect on a bigger scale. This concept is important to grasp in order for there to be a healthy amount of phosphorus in our environment. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161103124536.htm Since the mid to late twentieth century, built up areas on Earth have increased over 2.5 times. However, out of the entire globe, the 7.3 billion people that call Earth home live and work on a mere 7.6% of the global land mass. Research and statistics have shown that a large majority, 90% to be exact, of the most heavily populated urban centers are located in Asia. Additionally, 50% of the largest urban areas are located in the United States. This shows that the concentration of people living in rural areas is decreasing, and urban centers are thriving. These statistics, coming from European Commission's Joint Research Centre at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), also show us that these heavily populated urban centers are mainly located in low income countries, whereas the biggest built up urban centers are located in high income countries.
I think that these statistics are important because they give us insight into the dynamics of the current population. I also was able to make a connection between this article and the previous unit regarding population pyramids and trends. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161018132405.htm Over the past few weeks, a storm system on the east coast near the southern tip of Florida has been forming, causing many climatologists to predict that we may have a serious storm on our hands. What has now been named Hurricane Matthew is predicted to go from the Bahamas all the way up to New York State and New Jersey. However, with the recent rises in our climate due to global warming, there are perfect conditions available for storms to become significantly more dangerous. The warmer the atmosphere, the more energetic it is, and warmer sea levels increase the severity of storms. There is no guarantee that Hurricane Matthew will be effected by this, but, the evidence shows us that there definitely are chances of it. Some climatologists, like David A. Robinson from Rutgers University, say that storms impacted in this manner could be deadlier than Hurricane Sandy. I fully believe in the theory that Rutgers presents. The warmer climate will create an environment in which storms can stay stable for longer and can effect more areas. I also think that individuals should make effort to be educated on the intensity of storms like this in order to prepare for its effects. The latest storms we have seen have impacted so many lives; it is necessary that all individuals are informed and prepared for these natural disasters. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161006115959.htm 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 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/ “Now, every time a consumer drinks a Coca-Cola product, they can have confidence that our company and bottling partners are committed to responsible water use today and tomorrow," said Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief of the Coca Cola company. In 2007, the company decided to conserve and give back water; hoping to do so by the year 2020. However, they have already met their goal, and therefore, can now give one drop of water back for every drop of water that they use. This mission was inspired by a claim that Coca Cola worsened water shortages in India and contaminated local water supply. Since then, they have shut down a bottling plant in India in response to those claims. Even after achieving this iconic monument, Coca Cola is taking steps to improve sustainability over time. Despite the skepticism from many critics, Coca Cola has achieved their goal and is continuing to work at improving themselves environmentally. Personally, I respect Coca Cola's efforts to help increase sustainability within multi-billion dollar corporations. I think that more company's should model their environmental policies based on theirs, which would improve the conditions of droughts and other issues involving water. Even though this achievement doesn't seem too ground breaking, the domino effect could change many lives around the world. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/08/30/coca-cola-just-achieved-a-major-environmental-goal-for-its-water-use/?utm_term=.dc18af35d8d5 |
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November 2016
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