Reflective Essay Week #5 - Emily Rodriguez

Live in the Sunshine, Swim the Sea, Drink the Wild Air Ralph Waldo Emerson
The quote above is one of my favorites because I have always felt a strong
connection to the ocean. When I think of happiness I think of the beach at dusk and
sitting at the edge of the ocean with the waves just barely hitting my feet. Nature truly
does have healing powers and I want future generations to have the opportunity to be
surrounded by its beauty. It is scary to think that in 50 years places Ive visited and
animals Ive seen may be nothing but pictures in history books. I want my children and
grandchildren to experience the feeling of the ocean and have the same appreciation for
it that I do, which is why I have chosen to focus on climate changes effect on coastal
areas and marine life.
In the southeastern United States, sea level rise is rapidly occurring and is
predicted to rise another 2-5 feet in the next century. The coastal watersheds have lost
wetlands at an average rate of 80,000 acres a year from 2004-2009 (NOAA). This is a
huge problem for the low-lying wetlands found in this region. The conservation group
Wetlands Watch states that Virginia will lose 50-80% of its wetlands due to the sea
level rise. These areas serve important purposes such as water storage, sediment
trapping, and wildlife habitats. Warming of the water and higher CO2 concentrations
may introduce harmful algae that will destroy habitats and cause organisms to die. It
isnt just marine life that depends on these ecosystems. Birds such as waterfowls also
need these coastal regions to survive. I have learned from the readings the past week
that even small changes in an ecosystem have a big effect. There is no doubt that
destruction of the wetlands will have a detrimental effect on animal, plant and human
life in the region.
Coral reefs are another marine area that has been harshly affected by climate
change. Besides being home to over 25% of all marine species, coral reefs are a popular
vacation destination. Most people have never personally visited one but they are still
considered the epitome of beauty in the ocean. Increased ocean temperature has led to
coral bleaching, which is when corals expel their symbiotic algae. One bleaching event is
not fatal but it is now happening annually and over time the coral cannot recover. Coral
reefs provide food for millions of people and are a source of new cancer drugs. The
majority of the worlds coral reefs face environmental threats as well as local threats
such as overfishing, coastal development, and pollution. More needs to be done to
protect these ecosystems. It may be too late to stop the environmental threats but
something can definitely be done about threats from humans. It is a shame that people
dont realize they are quickly destroying their main source of livelihood. President
Obama recently created the worlds largest marine reserve in the Pacific Ocean so
hopefully his initiative will inspire countries around the world to do the same.
References
Wetlands. (2009, January 1). Retrieved February 16, 2015, from
http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/protection/wetlands/
Wetlands and Sea Level Rise. (2010, January 1). Retrieved February 16, 2015, from
http://www.wetlandswatch.org