biodiversity

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21 Species Removed from US Endangered Species Act after Going Extinct

Oladipo, Gloria. “21 Species Removed from US Endangered Species Act after Going Extinct.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 17 Oct. 2023, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/17/extinct-species-removed-endangered-species-act.

Around 21 species, including the Bachman’s warbler and Little Mariana fruit bat,  have been removed from the US Endangered Species Act after being declared extinct. The move, initiated the September 2023, highlights concerns about biodiversity and climate change. Some species, like the Hawaiian herb Phyllostegia glabra var lanaiensis and the ivory-billed woodpecker, were spared based on new survey findings and extinction status debates. Wildlife advocacy groups emphasized the “permanent” consequences of neglecting biodiversity and climate issues. The Center for Biological Diversity laments the loss of irreplaceable species while highlighting the intertwined crises of extinction and climate change.

This article relates to climate change and environmental science because of climate adaptation joint biodiversity and climate crises. Environmental scientists contribute to the understanding of how species can adapt or struggle in the face of changing climates. Conservation strategies often need to account for the impacts of climate change on habitats and the species within them. Additionally, environmental science recognizes that these crises are deeply intertwined as both climate change and biodiversity loss are critical challenges that pose threats to ecosystems and the well-being of the planet.

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Outfoxing Climate Change: Endangered Species Provides Lesson in Biodiversity

Makovec, Anne, and Molly McCrea. “Outfoxing Climate Change: Endangered Species Provides Lesson in Biodiversity.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 21 Sept. 2023, www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/outfoxing-climate-change-endangered-species-provides-lesson-in-biodiversity/.

The San Joaquin kit fox is thriving on the campus of Cal State University Bakersfield, which demonstrates the importance of biodiversity in combating climate change. The foxes share spaces with other wildlife, including their favorite food, California ground squirrels. The university’s fumigation plan to control the squirrel population was halted due to student activism. The situation highlights the delicate balance between conservation and habitat management. CSUB emphasizes its commitment to protecting the kit fox population and acknowledges the role of biodiversity in environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. 

The article ties in with environmental science by touching on several key factors such as habitat management and climate change mitigation. A large portion of the article highlights the challenges of managing shared spaces between the kit fox and other wildlife, such as the California ground squirrels. Environmental scientists contribute to understanding how different species can coexist and the ecological impacts of human intervention, such as fumigation. Climate change mitigation is also a primary component of the decrease in biodiversity. Environmental scientists contribute to understanding the role of biodiversity in ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, and resilience.

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US Judge to Decide Friday If Colorado Can Reintroduce Wolves Over

Press, Associated. “US Judge to Decide Friday If Colorado Can Reintroduce Wolves Over …” US News, 14 Dec. 2023, www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2023-12-14/us-judge-to-weigh-cattle-industry-request-to-halt-colorado-wolf-reintroduction.

The federal judge in Colorado is set to decide whether to temporarily halt the reintroduction of gray wolves, as approved by a voter initiative. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife plan to release up to 10 wolves from Oregon by December 31, 2023, under a 2020 ballot proposal. Cattle industry representatives filed a lawsuit, claiming the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service didn’t adequately review the state’s plan. While concerns about livestock attacks were raised, government officials argue further environment reviews aren’t necessary. The reintroduction, fulfilling a 2020 voter initiative, highlights the tension between rural and urban residents.

This article relates to environmental science as it involves the interplay between wildlife conservation and ecological restoration. The purpose of the reintroduction of gray wolves is to restore a species that was once extirpated from the region. Environmental scientists will be able to study the effects of the reintroduced species to measure the biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. Additionally, the return of gray wolves from Oregon is a step toward ecological restoration but filling a historical gap in the species’ range. Environmental science will be able to study the consequences of reintroducing apex predators, vegetation, and ecosystem health.

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Federal Officials Consider Adding 10 More Species, Including a Big Bumble Bee, to Endangered List

Richmond, Todd. “Federal Officials Consider Adding 10 More Species, Including a Big Bumble Bee, to Endangered List.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 24 Jan. 2024, www.britannica.com/news/186738/bea85e98a6a28be635e498f31956e3a9.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will potentially add ten new species, including the Southern Plains bumble bee, to the Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss and population decrease. The bee is a key species to its area, as it acts as the key pollinator and keystone species. Other species under review include freshwater fish, amphibians, rabbits, toads, invertebrates, and even plants. The Endangered Species Act listing provides protection and necessitates the development of recovery plans for listed organisms among over 1,300 species in the U.S. 

This article closely relates to environmental science because of its key topics such as pollinator decline and human impact on aquatic ecosystems. The Southern Plains bumble bee is a key pollinator that is significant to the pollinator’s impact in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Environmental science studies the roles of these pollinators and the results of their decline which allows researchers to create strategies revolving around their conservation. On the other hand, freshwater fish and amphibians reflect the concerns about the health of aquatic ecosystems. Environmental science assesses the impact of human activities, such as pollution, on aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants.

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U.S. Sets Plans to Protect Endangered Whales near Offshore Wind Farms; Firms Swap Wind Leases

Parry, Wayne. “U.S. Sets Plans to Protect Endangered Whales near Offshore Wind Farms; Firms Swap Wind Leases.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 25 Jan. 2024, www.britannica.com/news/186738/67814ad1f39509c39e6e4ca4002e1b26.

Federal environmental agencies, such as the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and NOAA, announced their plans to protect the endangered North American Right Whales from offshore wind farm projects by adding AI and acoustic monitoring. The offshore wind farm projects cause underwater noise, vessel traffic, and changes in the whale’s habitat which makes these projects highly dangerous to the whales. The environmental agencies aim to mitigate potential impacts on the whales by developing quieter technology for future construction. The news coincides with Equinor and BP swapping offshore wind leases in NY and Massachusetts. 

This article is related to environmental science because of biodiversity conservation and habitat impact. Biodiversity conservation refers to the efforts and practices aimed at protecting the variety of life on Earth. So since these Right Whales are endangered, environmental scientists are studying the relationship between human activities and the preservation of these vulnerable species to better balance environmental sustainability with human needs. The article also addresses the alterations to marine habitats due the offshore wind projects and how the long-term consequences will affect the ecology and marine life of the area.

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National Coral Reef Monitoring Program Sampling in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Edwards, K. (2023, August 24). National Coral Reef Monitoring Program Sampling in the U.S. Virgin Islands. National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coral-reef-monitoring-program-usvi/

NOAA scientists have conducted a survey of coral reef communities on hard bottom habitats in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as part of the Coral Reef Conservation Program’s National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP). The National Park Service, University of the Virgin Islands, and the Department of Natural Resources-Virgin Islands collaborated to conduct this survey. Nearly 40 divers used seven boats to sample a minimum of 250 sites around St. John and St. Thomas, recording the abundance and the size for different fish and coral species. Water samples were collected to support the Climate Team pillar of NCRMP. ArcGIS Field Maps is an online platform that was used to enhance mission efficiency in sampling, communication, and progress tracking. 

This article is related to environmental science because this research and exploration is vital to the health and biodiversity underwater. These surveys and experiments provide important data for coral reef conservation. Not only this, but it informs fish stock assessments, management decisions, and coral disease mitigation in the Caribbean. Without this information, we would not be able to fully assess and help underwater creatures and ecosystems. With climate change and higher amounts of tourists, reefs all over are in danger of destruction. I think that doing these checks are vital. It makes me happy because we can preserve biodiversity underwater, which is so important for the survival of so many different critters and organisms. 

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Not All Underwater Reefs Are Made of Coral − The US Has Created Artificial Reefs From Sunken Ships, Radio Towers, Boxcars and Even Voting Machines

Paxton, A., Steward, D. (2024, January 18). Not All Underwater Reefs Are Made of Coral − The US Has Created Artificial Reefs From Sunken Ships, Radio Towers, Boxcars and Even Voting Machines. The Conversation. Retrieved January 21, 2024, from https://theconversation.com/how-clouds-protect-coral-reefs-but-will-not-be-enough-to-save-them-from-us-211088 

Artificial reefs off the U.S. coast are being used to enhance marine habitat and recreational opportunities. Researchers led a study that estimated that artificial reefs cover about 7 square miles of the ocean floor. Some of these reefs are created with parts from old, used ships and concrete pipes. While artificial reefs benefit fisheries and provide recreational spots, they also hold risks for sea life, such as invasive species colonization and potential habitat shifts. It is important to continue to monitor and understand the impact of artificial reefs, as they are crucial for both marine life and human uses, and as ocean life is changing more and more with climate change. 

This article is related to environmental science because these artificial reefs are a part of a way to help with preservation of ocean life and biodiversity. A large part of life underwater depends on these reefs, and if they don’t, they depend on another organism that depends on the reef. Losing them would cause a detrimental impact on the health of the ocean. If we continue to create these artificial reefs, while finding ways to minimize the negative effects, we will be able to save the biodiversity of the ocean. I think that this is a good start to preserving the biodiversity in the ocean, and I think that it is great that there are many positive outcomes, but we need to be cautious when introducing these to new ecosystems and environments because it could cause a lot of damage.

 

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How Clouds Protect Coral Reefs, But Will Not Be Enough to Save Them From Us

Espinoza, P., Donner, S. (2023, October 12). How Clouds Protect Coral Reefs, But Will Not Be Enough to Save Them From Us. The Conversation. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://theconversation.com/how-clouds-protect-coral-reefs-but-will-not-be-enough-to-save-them-from-us-211088

Climate change is causing the ocean to warm rapidly, and as a result, coral reefs are in danger. Coral bleaching occurs when the coral releases microalgae, which exposes its white skeleton, making it “bleached.” While coral reefs can recover with time, they cannot recover quick enough, and these reefs are essential for coastal life and biodiversity. Increased cloudiness can provide temporary relief by slowing bleaching conditions. This is because less sun gets to these reefs, and the temperature of the water does not heat as much. However, over 70% of reefs still experience frequent bleaching, so it is very important that we find some other solutions to cool down the ocean, and not further the bleaching of the reefs.

This article relates to environmental science because it is just one of the many possible solutions to try to help reverse the damage done by climate change. Although this “solution” has not made much of an impact because clouds have always been around, it still highlights the importance of actively thinking of ideas to reverse the damage done. Coral bleaching is a visible hint of the warming ocean. I think that climate change and temperature is harming coral reefs and all the life that depends on those reefs as well. There is an urgency for different research and solutions to address coral reef degradation, and I think we need to continue creating these ideas.

 

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Record Ocean Heat Impacts: From Hurricanes to Corals

Kim, K. (2023, August 22). Record Ocean Heat Impacts: From Hurricanes to Corals. Climate Central. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://www.climatecentral.org/climate -matters/record-ocean-heat-impacts-from-hurricanes-to-corals

This past summer witnessed record-breaking heat across global sea surfaces. Over the last four months, sea surface temperatures have continuously surpassed any April-July period on record, with 48% of the global ocean experiencing marine heat waves, which has been the largest area since 1991. This exceptional ocean heat, due to human-caused carbon pollution and El Nino conditions, poses severe risks. Warmer oceans fuel stronger tropical cyclones, and coral reefs face extreme stress, which leads to bleaching events. Florida’s coral reefs are particularly vulnerable, experiencing unprecedented heat stress. Addressing the root cause—carbon pollution—is crucial to prevent further destruction of ocean ecosystems and coral reefs.

This article is related to environmental science as it ties into climate change and the effect that it has on the ocean. Specifically, the effect it has on coral reefs. The rising temperatures are a parallel to the ongoing impact of carbon-pollution and also different natural causes, such as El Nino. The warming of the oceans disrupts marine life, and overall the ocean biodiversity will decrease. This makes me sad because so much of sea life depends on coral reefs, so if these reefs are bleached by the warming temperatures, many organisms will suffer. I think this situation underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and the overall carbon emissions due to human activities, and most importantly the effect it is having on the ocean.  

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Largest known deep-sea coral reef mapped off US Atlantic coast

(2024, January 19). Largest known deep-sea coral reef mapped off US Atlantic coast. The Guardian. Retrieved January 20, 2024, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment /2024/jan/19/deep-sea-coral-reef-atlantic-coast  

Scientists have used new underwater mapping technology that unveiled the largest known deep-sea coral reef off the coast off the US. This coral reef extends approximately 310 miles stretching from Florida to South Carolina, and it reaches widths of up to 68 miles. This reef was found at depths ranging from 655 feet to 3,280 feet, so sun can not penetrate these reefs. Because of this, it must filter food particles out of the water for energy as it is not able to complete photosynthesis. These types of deep water coral reefs are home to sharks, swordfish, sea stars, octopuses, and many other types of fish. Unfortunately, due to climate change and oil and gas drilling, these deep coral reefs are in danger. 

 

This article is related to environmental science because it touches on the coral reefs and ecosystems under the water. It gives information about the type of life living in these reefs, and just furthers the importance of the discovery of the ocean. Only a small amount of the ocean has been discovered, and with newer and more advanced technology, we are very slowly making new discoveries. Not only is it related to environmental science because it is a part of an ecosystem, but it also is not like other reefs as it does not use photosynthesis, which is very interesting. I think that coral reefs are very biodiverse, and we need to do everything we can in order to preserve them, as they are a home to so many and are beneficial for sealife.