marine ecosystems
Credit: Guido and Carrara family/Flickr
Seagrasses aren’t the solution to ocean plastic pollution
Recent findings debunk the optimistic view that Mediterranean seagrasses can effectively combat marine plastic pollution, revealing more harm than help.
In short:
- A 2021 study showed seagrasses trapping and removing plastic from the ocean, offering a hopeful solution.
- A new meta-analysis reveals that plastic pollution harms seagrasses, reducing their growth and disrupting ecosystems.
- Experts warn that seagrasses’ ability to trap plastic may cause more harm, as animals ingest the trapped plastic.
Key quote:
“I definitely don’t want people to move in the direction of saying, ‘We have seagrass beds and they’re trapping microplastics so that’s resolving the problem.’ That’s not resolving the problem—it’s just moving and concentrating it in a different location.”
— Alyssa Novak, coastal ecologist at Boston University
Why this matters:
Seagrass, often overlooked in the grand tapestry of marine ecosystems, plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our oceans. It serves as a nursery for fish, a filter for pollutants, and a powerful carbon sink. In the fight against microplastics, the story of seagrass is a stark reminder that the small things we often overlook can have a massive impact. Read more: Plastic pollution in the ocean.
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Credit: Deanna Wong/Unsplash
Scientists warn of major ice sheet loss due to small temperature rise
A minor increase in ocean temperature could drastically accelerate ice sheet melting and raise sea levels much more than current models predict.
In short:
- Warm seawater intruding under coastal ice sheets melts them, creating cavities that further enhance melting and ice loss.
- Computer models show that even a small rise in water temperature could trigger significant ice sheet collapse.
- This process may be responsible for underestimating past sea level rises and poses severe future risks.
Key quote:
“With every tenth of a degree of ocean warming, we get closer and closer to passing this tipping point.”
— Dr. Alexander Bradley, British Antarctic Survey
Why this matters:
The urgency of addressing climate change becomes more apparent with each new study. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and enhancing coastal resilience are steps that must be accelerated to prevent the most severe outcomes of a warming planet.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Jeff Hester / Ocean Image Bank
Most marine protected areas fail to offer true protection
A new study reveals that the majority of the world's largest marine protected areas (MPAs) fail to implement effective conservation measures, allowing destructive activities to persist.
In short:
- Only one-third of the world's largest MPAs have high or full protection, covering just 2.6% of the global ocean.
- Many MPAs are "paper parks," existing in name only without any real conservation measures in place.
- Some MPAs permit activities like mining and industrial fishing, undermining their conservation goals.
Key quote:
“There are 18,000 MPAs, but a hundred of them make up 90 percent of the area. These are the big needle movers.”
— Beth Pike, director of the Marine Protection Atlas
Why this matters:
Effective marine protection is vital to meeting international conservation targets and preserving marine biodiversity. The failure to implement meaningful protections jeopardizes global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and human exploitation on our oceans. Read more: Can marine protected areas reduce marine disease?
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Credit: Woodwell Climate Research Center
George Woodwell, climate change pioneer and ecologist, passes away at 95
George Woodwell, founder of the Woods Hole Research Center, whose influential work shaped U.S. environmental policies, died at 95.
In short:
- George Woodwell, who founded the Woods Hole Research Center in 1985, was instrumental in shaping U.S. policies on toxic substances and climate change.
- His research highlighted the dangers of synthetic pollutants and the impact of rising carbon dioxide levels, making him a key figure in early climate change awareness.
- Woodwell's work led to significant environmental actions, including the federal ban on DDT and the establishment of the Environmental Defense Fund.
Key quote:
"I said the same things then that I say today. The climatic disruption has the potential of changing the earth as much as a nuclear war will."
— George Woodwell, ecologist
Why this matters:
George Woodwell's pioneering research and activism laid the groundwork for modern environmentalism and climate policy, spearheading the ongoing need to address climate change to protect public health and the environment. Read the announcement from the Woodwell Climate Research Center.
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Credit: Frans Berkelaar/Flickr
Deep-water oil terminal near Texas raises safety concerns
Enterprise Products' new deep-water oil terminal off the Texas coast could pose significant risks due to its unconventional design, which allows tankers to moor closer than usual, potentially leading to catastrophic accidents in severe weather.
In short:
- Enterprise’s Sea Port Oil Terminal (SPOT) project, which can load two supertankers simultaneously, poses a risk due to its tanker mooring distance being much shorter than industry standards.
- Experts warn that in severe weather, tankers could break free and crash into the terminal, causing a catastrophic oil spill and endangering workers.
- Despite new standards suggesting greater mooring distances, the Maritime Administration has not required SPOT to comply, citing previous risk assessments.
Key quote:
"The worst case is the vessel is weather-vaning close to the platform and then a squall comes through and blows the vessel against the platform and knocks it over."
— Lincoln Stroh, chairman of the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee.
Why this matters:
A collision at the terminal could lead to a massive oil spill, endangering lives and severely impacting marine ecosystems, suggesting the need for revised safety standards in offshore oil operations. Read more: As inevitable as blood and taxes.
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Credit: TED Conference/Flickr
A leading marine biologist advocates for optimism in climate change discussions
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a prominent climate activist and marine biologist, emphasizes the importance of cautious optimism and collective action in addressing the climate crisis.
In short:
- Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson promotes a hopeful outlook on climate change, focusing on actionable solutions.
- Her upcoming book, "What if We Get It Right?" explores promising climate solutions through interviews with various leaders.
- Johnson highlights the need for inclusive communication to engage diverse audiences in climate action.
Key quote:
“People don’t like sacrifice. People don’t like bans. But I think there’s a way to frame that as: This is an opportunity to live a different and better life.”
— Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, marine biologist and climate activist.
Why this matters:
Emphasizing positive, actionable steps can motivate more people to participate in climate solutions in meaningful ways, ultimately driving public engagement and policy support to mitigate global warming's impacts. Read more: Finding climate solutions in communities instead of labs.
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Credit: Patrick Feller/Flickr
Barge collision collapses Galveston bridge, triggers oil spill
A barge collision caused a partial collapse of a Galveston bridge, leading to an oil spill and the closure of the only road to Pelican Island.
Juan Lozano and Lekan Oyekanmi report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- A barge hit the Pelican Island Causeway Bridge, causing partial collapse and oil spillage into nearby waters.
- The accident halted access to Pelican Island and led to a cleanup effort but is not expected to cause major economic disruptions.
- The bridge, built in 1960 and rated in poor condition, was scheduled for replacement in 2025.
Key quote:
"The current was very bad, and the tide was high. He lost it."
— David Flores, bridge superintendent, Galveston County Navigation District
Why this matters:
The incident shows the risks associated with aging infrastructure and the potential environmental impact of oil spills, emphasizing the need for timely maintenance and upgrades to prevent similar occurrences. Read more: Source of pride and pollution: Balancing energy needs and community health.
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