It is no secret that increases in global temperatures have caused drastic changes to the environment. The ice caps and glaciers in our arctic regions have been consistently melting over the last few decades, causing water levels to rise and become significantly warmer. When water is heated, its ability to maintain oxygen decreases. This is why it is not uncommon to hear of a populated pond or small lake going "belly up" during an extremely hot summer season. When the oxygen in the water disappears, the water becomes a hostile environment for all lifeforms.
This is a major concern for marine biologists and conservationists all over the world as climate change continues at an unchecked pace.
The case
Over the last 50 years, scientists have been collecting data regarding ocean salinity to temperature. As published in Nature, an international weekly science journal, they have calculated that the oceans have lost 2 percent of their oxygen during the period of study. This may seem insignificant, but this dissipation of oxygen can severely damage ecosystems and even cause dead zones to form. In November 2016, Marine Biologists reported the worst bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef on record. Bleaching occurs when the surface temperature of the ocean rises.
Photos from the dead portion of the famous reef rocked the world and brought climate change issues back to the forefront of science discussions.
Saving the oceans
One movement spearheaded by marine biologists across the globe, the 50 Reefs project, is attempting to save coral reefs around the world by putting an end to climate change.
They predict that over 90 percent of all coral reefs will be lost if conservation efforts are not increased. For this environmental project to be a success, these scientists need the cooperation of local governments near the targeted reefs. With Trump's recent attacks against the Environmental Protection Agency and the Endangered Species Act, it is unclear whether the United States government will now cooperate in these efforts. On April 29, the People's Climate March is set to take to the streets. This protest is meant to bring climate change, conservation, endangered species, and much more to the front lines.
