Callahan, M. (2022, August 2). Clear Lake residents near massive blue-green algae blooms offered access to treated drinking water. The Press Democrat. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/clear-lake-residents-near-massive-blue-green-algae-blooms-offered-access-to/

In this article the writer expresses the concern for Residents that live near Clear Lake, an algae bloom infested water. The article shows that the algae blooms are cyanobacteria, which means the water may be unsafe to drink. “Depending on the type, cyanotoxins can cause everything from skin irritation to stomach upset to respiratory or neurological symptoms.” The water is also toxic to the aquatic life in the lake. While this has been a problem in Clear Lake for many years we are now learning more about the dangers, causes and environmental impact. The article shared that the lake itself is a problem but because residents get their drinking water from this water the communication about the hazard is also really important and they have had concerns about residents being properly informed. Therefore some residents could still be drinking the water which is unsafe. 

This article makes me think about the impact the blue-green algae blooms have not only on the water they are growing in but also the community. Clear Lake is not only a lake but also a water source for the community and many people are now having to buy bottled water or use refilling stations with filtered water to ensure their water is safe to drink and use. The main cause of the water blooms is the runoff that includes fertilizers. This and the warmer climate, with less rain are creating, unfortunately, the perfect environment for algae blooms. The article didn’t share what they are doing to improve the situation. I think we should focus on the root of the problem, fertilizers and global warming.

Langton, M. (2022, July 25). Algae wreaks havoc on summer plans. The Sun Gazzette. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2022/07/25/algae-wreaks-havoc-on-summer-plans/

The focus of this article is on Tulare county and the Three Rivers area. Toxic algae blooms are growing to be more of a problem in this area. The drought this year is causing a more major outbreak. The Three Rivers Community Service District is alerting people in the area with signs located near the toxic algae blooms. They are doing this because the impact of going into the infected water can lead to serious health issues for humans and animals. 

This is connected to environmental science because the drought is a major part of the worsening conditions of many bodies of water, as discussed in this article. Drought can affect the environment in many ways making our earth more unhealthy. I think that considering the severe symptoms (ex. death) stronger actions should be taken. Though there is nothing much we can do to reverse this issue, there are preventative measures that can be taken. For example in the article it states that “the state is coming in and working on testing.” I wonder how these tests are run and what determines algae to be toxic. 

Why toxic algae blooms are on the rise across California — and expected to get worse. (2022, June 14). San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/Reports-of-harmful-algal-blooms-are-rising-17233948.php

This article focuses on how the rising temperatures across California are impacting the growth of algae blooms in lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Not only does the hot weather negatively affect the water quality, the agricultural runoff is the main problem, according to the article. Sealife is dying because the algae blooms are absorbing the oxygen in the water. The article shares that there are limited effective options in addressing the algae blooms. Prevention is key in solving this issue.

This issue connects to environmental science because it is affecting humans and animals alike in a negative manner. Humans have caused this major spike in algae blooms from the use of fertilizers/pesticides, the chemicals runoff into bodies of water. Another casuse of this problem is climate change as it worsens, the conditions of the water will do the same. The algae blooms are affecting the environment surrounding them. For example the smell is so strong that it can cause headaches and respiratory problems. I know that waiting for the blooms to go away one their own is the most realistic solution. I wonder how long it will take for the blooms to leave by themselves. As of now there is no rules that make “water body managers” report “harmful algal blooms.” I think that if there was a mandate in place people would become more aware of this issue and more awareness would be spread. 

As dangerous algal blooms grow, agencies need to pick up the pace. (2022, July 12). The Washington Post. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/07/12/algal-blooms-epa-noaa-working-group/

This article lays out the harmful effects of algal blooms across the United States and “has been documented in all 50 states, in marine environments as well as in fresh water sources.” Places like Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River are having outbreaks in algae blooms. The beaches are showing signs of green algal due to the increase of pollution caused by fertilizer runoff. This is harmful to all living things that interact with the water. Toxins released by algal blooms create poisonous drinking water. Though Congress has tasked the NOAA, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency with solving this problem, the process is moving too slow.

This article is related to environmental science because while algae blooms are the result of a natural process, the fast paced outbreaks are occurring due to human actions. For example, when farmers are using pesticides and fertilizers on their fields and it rains, the runoff water which carries the fertilizer enters into our lakes and rivers and causes algae blooms to grow. The blooms are also becoming more toxic because of climate change. The GOA is coming up with strategies to help this issue, though I wonder how long this planning process will take. I imagine that this plan will be expensive in order for it to make a difference in the pace at which the algae blooms develop. I think that there needs to be more laws and money put towards the issue in order to make a significant change. 

National Ocean Services. (2021, February 26). What can I do to protect coral reefs? Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/thingsyoucando.html 

People in the National Ocean Services are working to speak out on how to save the coral reefs. For example, removing trash from the nearby land prevents the plastic and other materials from getting stuck. Additionally, when boating, stay away from areas of coral because the anchor can drag the coral and damage it extremely. Coral reefs are also hurt from wastewater, so conserving water helps to relieve that from occurring. The service’s purpose is to provide knowledge on what people can possibly do to minimize the larger issue occurring today all over the world. 

This is an example of how environmental issues could be reduced if we were more aware of what causes problems in the coral reefs. I think that awareness is also important in taking steps forward in saving the reefs as well. In the larger scale of things, any sort of help by a group of people creates an overall difference. Environmental issues are highly acknowledged by societies, but the idea of coral reefs dying are not. That is why organizations and people are creating potential solutions to encourage the reefs to live on.

The Guardian. (2021, August 6). Lotion in the ocean: is your sunscreen killing the sea? Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/06/lotion-in-the-ocean-is-your-sunscreen-killing-the-sea  

Autumn Blum was on an island in Palau when she came to the realization that sunscreen and lotion products are very harmful towards ecosystems, especially in the ocean. Two ingredients are the worst for the reefs known as oxybenzone and octinoxate. The impact of these chemicals causes bleaching to the coral reefs, and the toxicity is not suitable for the sea animals, including fish. There are roughly 14,000 tons of sunscreen that end up in the coral reefs due to human resources preventing skin damage. 

Although sunscreen prevents damage to humans, we are not considering the damage to marine life. I believe that the new sunscreen products that are going to limit the chemicals going into the ocean should be spread world wide. Not necessarily banning ordinary sunscreen, but creating a sort of capacity for it is the leading choice as of now. However, humans also need to understand that the environmental issues with coral reefs are solely partly due to human impacts.

Reuters. (2021, May 27). New coral reef restoration technology aims to reverse climate change damage. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/new-coral-reef-restoration-technology-aims-reverse-climate-change-damage-2021-05-27/

A marine scientist named Deborah Brosnan went to see a closer look at the reefs and noticed how awful they were looking compared to before. Therefore, she chose to explore a possible solution to grow coral back faster, known as the coral reef restoration project or Ocean-Shot. The reason this must happen now is because half of the reef has been said to be dead, and most are at risk in today’s society. It starts in Barbuda and Antigua, and other countries such as Latin America will mimic it to help as well.  

Many people focus their attention on marine life, and while they do, that’s when we notice the problems. However, the restoration project is a way for environmentalists to improve the dying reefs. In my opinion, humans who spend their time on issues such as coral reefs are the most important in saving the world. Although, we cannot rely on technology to be the most suitable answer to our problems; technology fails, but attempting different options might be the only opportunity we have as humans to fix what we caused.

The Guardian. (2021, February 17). Great Barrier Reef found to be in failing health as world heritage review looms. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/18/great-barrier-reef-found-to-be-in-failing-health-amid-calls-for-urgent-action 

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, located in Australia. However, as of now, it is in the worst health conditions. The pressure is increasing due to the heating of the climate which creates bleaching of the reefs. To improve this, scientists have said that fertilizers should be reduced to prevent more chemicals going into the ocean. The aftermath of this enforced the government to set laws and regulations for the standards of agricultural use.

This involves environmental science because it is a reason for why farming is harmful. The switch to farming caused many disadvantages to the ocean and overall sea life. The article definitely expresses the issue in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and how the climate problems are a much larger issue than just the expression “climate change.” Many factors are presented in the environmental issue that ultimately compile in creating the many other concerns to the world.

AP News. (2021, July 12). US expert: Images show Chinese ship waste endangering reefs. Retrieved August 5, 2021, from https://apnews.com/article/technology-environment-and-nature-9e459c065f3adccbaa9314d0fcb3df25 

Currently, large Chinese ships have been using the sea as a way to get rid of human waste and wastewater (basically sewage) in the Philippines. However, this has been damaging to the coral reefs for the past years because it creates extensive amounts of algae known as algae blooms, to be produced. These are detrimental towards the reefs due to blocked sunlight that causes a stop to food for coral. In the beginning months of 2021, more than 200 ships were being spotted along these areas of the sea. 

Coral reefs are an important aspect to environmental science not only because they are relative to the ocean, but also to other organisms. For example, fish are negatively affected because of the toxins released into the water. This article confuses me as to why people need to take advantage of the water for unnecessary purposes. The amount of waste in the ocean greatly damages marine life, and it continues to grow as an issue every year.

The Associated Press. “Gulf of Mexico’s ‘Dead Zone’ Larger than Average This Year.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 5 Aug. 2021, www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/gulf-mexicos-dead-zone-larger-average-year-rcna1603

In 2021, the Gulf of Mexico’s “dead zone” grew 3 times larger than the size of 2020’s dead zone. A “dead zone” is an area where there is not enough oxygen for marine life to survive. Humans are the main cause of the lack of oxygen since humans use fertilizer that runs into and pollutes the Gulf of Mexico. Too many nutrients in the water have caused an overgrowth of algae which consumes oxygen as it dies. 

This article shows the link between humans’ actions and the consequences to the environment, which are often negative. The crops which are fertilized may be bigger and better, but the fertilizer runoff kills the marine life. Agriculture has taken over the world and only continues to take up land and resources. It’s scary knowing that this dead zone is only the beginning of many more dead zones to come since people will continue to prioritize profits over the environment.