Month: February 2022

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‘Major’ oil spill off California coast threatens wetlands and Wildlife.

Vigdor, N., & Delkic, M. (2021, October 3). ‘major’ oil spill off California coast threatens wetlands and Wildlife. The New York Times. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/03/us/pipeline-broken-oil-pacific-ocean.html?smid=tw-share 

This article describes a pipeline failure in October that caused a 13-mile oil spill off the coast of Orange County. In a few places, dead fish and birds washed ashore. Parts of Huntington beach were closed, and the third day of the Pacific Airshow was canceled. The Coast Guard led the efforts to mitigate the impacts of the oil on wildlife and ecosystems. The article then describes the spill’s effects (beaches closed, people should stay out of the water, damage dozens of bird species). The event marks the need for California to move away from fossil fuels and oil to prevent similar future disasters.

 

It is unfortunate that environmental disasters occur, such as oil spills, but at the same time, it is heartening to see humans work together to solve the problem. Especially with anthropogenic catastrophes, I think humans are responsible for protecting the nature we live in. Not just for our sake, but the good of wildlife. This is a good reminder of the dangers of using fossil fuels. California should move towards greener energy sources to protect thousands of animals from being hurt or killed. This article describes an environmental catastrophe, an essential part of environmental science we need to address. 

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Northern Territory’s Debate Between Benefiting Economically vs. Taking Water from Indigenous People

`O’Donnell, E., Langton, P. M., & Jackson, S. (n.d.). Regressive changes to Northern Territory water laws could undermine Indigenous rights. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/regressive-changes-to-northern-territory-water-laws-could-undermine-indigenous-rights-166561

In the Northern Territory of Australia, underground water licenses are being handed to major companies which will then obtain the water that now belongs to the Indigenous people of the area. The Aboriginal people are frustrated saying they “are not being listened to”. New law in the area, due to COVID, granted the government the right to undermine the “standards of water governance” meaning the water that is (was) reserved for the Aboriginal land owners. Water in the Northern Territory is a valuable resource due to the dry climate and the Reservoir that they are letting these companies pull that water from were allocated originally to the Indigenous people only with “recognised rights to land”. The reservoir once the companies begin to pull from it, will dry out. There is little water in the area already, therefore setting the Aboriginal people at a major disadvantage. There are currently many bills being written establishing the government’s ability to keep granting water to companies for trade and for more allocation plans and reducing public feedback on where the water goes.

In my opinion, I think that stripping the Aboriginal people of their rights and access to their water sources is extremely wrong. As the government is more focused on economic advantages, by increasing trade for more profit, they are hurting their own people who are very loyal due to being Indigenous to the land. These people did not do anything wrong and they are already at a disadvantage with the dry climate, and now their main Aboriginal Water Reserve is being drained for more money, which will not go to benefit them in any way. This article relates to environmental science as it discusses the struggle between economic advantage and what’s environmentally right for the area and its people. I believe there is a good middle ground where the government can allocate water to the Indigenous people while only using a certain percentage of the water for profit.

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Optimizing Coastal Wetland Restoration for carbon capture and storage.

Stephens, T. (2021, December 15). Optimizing Coastal Wetland Restoration for carbon capture and storage. UC Santa Cruz News. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://news.ucsc.edu/2021/12/wetlands-restoration.html 

This article overviews the need for wetlands to absorb and store carbon dioxide, provide habitat for wildlife, prevent flooding, and improve water quality. UCSC has scientists monitoring Elkhorn Slough and creating management guidelines and policies around wetlands. This collaborative project plans to develop a framework for habitat restoration and incorporate carbon dynamics. Scientists from the involved UCs want to maximize carbon burial rates and minimize emissions while considering sea-level rise.

 

This article sheds light on the fact that wetlands are often overlooked. It is reassuring that scientists are not only taking into account short-term solutions but also planning long-term projects. Another interesting trend I noticed was that many California-based articles on wetland restoration involve the goal of sequestering carbon. At the same time, I didn’t find that a goal when researching articles in the United States. Most articles didn’t put a value on carbon storage. This says a lot about California’s goals, and I like where they are directed. It is also nice that funding for the project will contribute towards educational components, which is very important to our future.

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$63 Million Wetland Restoration Could Be a Blueprint for How California Adapts to Climate Change.

Duggan, Tara. (2021, 7 Dec.)  $63 Million Wetland Restoration Could Be a Blueprint for How California Adapts to Climate Change. But It’s Taking Forever. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/This-delta-wetland-restoration-will-help-16680372.php#photo-21796303. 

This article goes over advances in a project to restore and protect 30,000 acres of California wetlands as a means to bring back wildlife and sequester carbon. The first phase has been completed, and wildlife in the restored area is flourishing. Scientists hope to use wetlands as a carbon sink instead of forests, which are easier to burn. The California Department of Water Resources plans to set an example to other restoration projects with the Dutch Slough Tidal Marsh Restoration Project. However, the project is only expected to be complete by 2025, making it already two decades long (it started in 2003). The article explains the importance of wetlands, such as acting as a carbon sink and providing a water barrier to sea level rise, as well as providing sanctuary for salmon and other animals. 

 

This is a fascinating article because it addresses the goal of carbon sequestration, which we have gone over in class with the lecture from UC Steve and the Drawdown project. It is very remarkable that such advancements are happening in California. I am excited to see if this project succeeds because wetlands are permanent carbon sinks. Hopefully, the project can be finished quicker because wetlands are crucial ecosystems. This article is directly related to environmental science since it involves scientists studying the environment and finding ways to solve environmental problems such as restoring wetlands.

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United Nations Finding Ways to Adapt and Mitigate

Water action as answer to climate change – collaborative action for resilience. (2021, October 28). UN-Water. https://www.unwater.org/water-action-as-answer-to-climate-change-collaborative-action-for-resilience/

This article by the United Nations Water page, illustrates a program which is offered in Early November of the year. This past year at the UN Climate Change Conference when they hosted the multimedia Water Pavilion, there were demonstrations of “ways that water is enabling transformative climate action”. The demonstrations consisted of ways for adaptation and mitigation and how they can be implemented into national policies around the world. Nations can get involved by integrating these techniques in and around their rivers, lakes and other bodies of water in order to slow the rapidly increasing climate change impact.

I personally think that this article sheds light on not just the United Nations, but how people are searching and trying to promote and integrate new and more beneficial ways to save our planet. I think this conference is trying to promote ways to use and reuse and take care of our water by implementing policies enforcing people to do so. This conference got many organizations and “stakeholders” involved therefore people are trying to get these policies enforced and therefore take action on not only our climate change issue, but in an effective way. We have so much water on our planet that is not necessarily being used to its fullest potential, and my hope is that the UN continues on the track they are on to find great ways to conserve it, and help the environment and climate by getting policies and rules in place.

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What is Ecotourism?

Travel and sustainability are together a controversial duo. They are an unexpected couple who are always in conflict. To become an Ecotourist in 2022 there are a few steps taken to be all the more eco friendly. First, research travel companies that market themselves as eco friendly. Ask yourself questions to see if the company is reliable as well. Second, Opt for green transit! If you have the option of walking or cycling and the weather permits, do it before renting a car or hailing a cab. Lastly, experiences that include interaction with wild or captive animals should be avoided.

 

This article is a great introduction to ecotourism. The article doesn’t feel too demanding and steps to become an ecotourist are reasonable and somewhat straightforward. Many have contended that ecotourism is, by definition, an oxymoron. It becomes more difficult to minimize the cultural and environmental repercussions of tourism, whether eco or not, as a location grows more popular. However, as this article shows, the more we learn to travel with awareness, temperance, and respect the more we can reap the benefits of responsible ecotourism.

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Jardine Yarde’s plan for Ecotourism

Jadine Yarde (CEO of Nevis Tourism Authority) was fed up with city life and decided to go to the Caribbean, a location she and her family adore. Yarde now runs a city in the Caribbean named Nevis, which is a city with no stoplights or fast-food restaurants on the island, it’s a spot where you can relax and not feel like a stranger. Nevis also isn’t overrun by crowds and boasting. She is a walking billboard for promoting Caribbean ecotourism, having lived in the Caribbean for eight years, two of which were with the NTA. She has no regrets about taking the risk. 

 

Jadine Yarde is a brave person who takes chances in order to help a future generation. This is exactly the type of people the world needs at this pressing time. If others can follow in her footsteps and learn from her mistakes, perhaps future generations will live in a cleaner world. While the individuals who have these experiences may not make the front headlines in major news articles, they are exactly what the globe needs to get people talking about a new form of traveling: ecotourism.

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12 Sustainable Destinations We’d Love to Visit in 2022

12 sustainable destinations to visit in 2022 all over the world have one thing in common, they are all eco-friendly. These countries are making the world a better place while welcoming us with open arms to explore them in an environmentally sustainable manner. The destinations may not provide a direct solution to solve climate change but they serve as a stepping stone to what our world would look like if we became more environmentally conscious. 

 

The 12 destinations the article talks about are not only eco-friendly and sustainable but also look beautiful and once in a lifetime experiences. In my experience traveling to a place that feels natural and more untouched by humans makes me feel most at peace and away from distractions at home. Also, taking long-haul flights may not seem like a quick method to address the climate crisis, but if you’re going to travel anyway, why not make it more environmentally conscious?

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Price hike of vegetables in Malaysia due to weather, labour shortage and production costs, say farmers.

This article is about the recent increase in Malaysian vegetable prices. The prices are increasing due to a heavy monsoon season, a decrease in labor, and high transport prices. The monsoon season brings heavy rain that can flood vegetables and cause root rot, as well as  prevents ample amounts of sunlight from reaching the plants. Laws reducing foreign labor have caused worker shortages. Increasing transport prices make it difficult for farmers to make profits off their vegetables, thus all these factors lead to price increases. Investigations are in place in the Malaysian government to investigate these price increases and to see if they have been exaggerated by people. 

This involves environmental science because it shows the effects agriculture has on our economies and the results of natural phenomena that affect agricultural production. In this case, the prolonged and more extreme monsoon season affected the vegetable growth in agriculture, raising the prices of vegetables and aggravating the economy. The environment and the economy are deeply related when it comes to agriculture, as we cannot completely control the environment and thus our inputs and outputs in the agricultural system. 

 

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Cocoa processors in Brazil see 5% grind jump as country reopens.

This article discusses the recent increase in cocoa production in Brazil. This is great because it shows the agricultural economy bouncing back after almost two years with the Corona Virus. The reopening of Brazil has allowed people to get jobs and not rely on stimulus checks anymore. The increased production of cocoa also holds the possibility of restoring degraded lands, through their plantations. 

This article relates to environmental science because it discusses the benefits seen in the economy due to increased cocoa agriculture. Agriculture is a staple of environmental science because it is how we as a population are able to sustain our growth. The impact of increased agriculture and the reopening of Brazil is wonderful for creating new job opportunities and helping to create a more stable economy. Hopefully production continues to grow and the benefit of cocoa plantations restoring degrading land that was briefly mentioned in the article is further looked into and capitalized on.