Many scientists think global climate change is the number one environmental issue the world faces today as it is expected to change every aspect of our world. Therefore, it is important to understand the data behind global climate change. It will also be important to use your best research skills in finding articles and information. Since there are so many myths and misunderstandings surrounding climate change, let's first explore what science and pseudoscience are.
sci·ence (/ˈsīəns/) - systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation
pseu·do·sci·ence (/ˌso͞odōˈsīəns/) - a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on the scientific method
Pseudoscience is all too often passed off as science. It is especially prevalent when discussing the topic of global climate change. This comes from both sides of the fence - those that believe humans are the primary cause of global warming and those arguing that global warming is not occurring or humans are not responsible. A good article on the Skeptical Scientist Website on the characteristics of pseudoscience being passed off as science can be found at this link. You can find a list of the major myths at this link on the same site. Make sure you don't include these "myths" or pseudoscience in your discussion.
In your initial post explain how climate change is expected to affect an environmental issue of your choosing. Use the resources below or other credible sources for your research. For example, the NASA page has insights into the future of water, air, and land resources. There is also a NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) site where you can research changes expected in every community (including yours!). There are more at the bottom of the page. Be sure to keep the references you use and include the links at the end of your post.
Full Answer Section
Rising Sea Levels: The Primary Culprit
A primary driver of the threat to coastal ecosystems is rising sea levels. Warming temperatures cause thermal expansion of ocean waters and melting of glaciers and ice sheets. These combined effects contribute to a rise in sea level, inundating coastal areas and disrupting the intricate balance of these ecosystems.
Impact on Coastal Habitats
Rising sea levels have several detrimental effects on coastal ecosystems:
- Habitat Loss: As sea levels rise, coastal wetlands like salt marshes and mangroves are submerged. These habitats are vital spawning grounds for fish and provide critical nesting areas for birds.
- Increased Erosion: Rising sea levels accelerate coastal erosion, threatening beaches, dunes, and cliffs. This disrupts the nesting grounds of sea turtles and shorebirds and destroys valuable coastal ecosystems.
- Salinity Intrusion: Rising sea levels cause saltwater to intrude into freshwater aquifers and estuaries. This disrupts the delicate balance of these ecosystems, harming freshwater plant and animal life.
- Source: NOAA Climate Change Impacts: Coasts [invalid URL removed]
Consequences for Marine Life
The disruption of coastal ecosystems due to rising sea levels has a cascading effect on marine life:
- Loss of Nursery Grounds: Loss of coastal wetlands and mangroves disrupts the life cycle of many fish species. These areas are crucial for juvenile fish to develop before venturing into open water.
- Impact on Food Webs: Changes in salinity levels and habitat loss impact the food chain in coastal ecosystems. This can lead to population declines in fish and other marine life.
- Ocean Acidification: Rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere contribute to ocean acidification, harming marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells and skeletons, such as coral reefs and shellfish.
- Source: EPA Impacts of Climate Change on Oceans [invalid URL removed]
Conclusion
Rising sea levels due to climate change pose a significant threat to coastal ecosystems. Habitat loss, increased erosion, and salinity intrusion disrupt the delicate balance of these areas, impacting marine life and the food chain. Understanding these threats and taking action to mitigate climate change is crucial for protecting these vital ecosystems and the biodiversity they support.
Remember, these are just a few examples. Climate change is a complex issue with wide-ranging impacts. Further research can delve deeper into specific coastal ecosystems and the unique challenges they face due to rising sea levels.
Sample Answer
Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels: A Threat to Coastal Ecosystems
Climate change is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. One environmental area significantly impacted by rising global temperatures is coastal ecosystems. Here, I'll explore how climate change is expected to affect these delicate systems, drawing on credible sources like NASA and NOAA.