In the past few years there has been a major emphasis on the horrible effects of plastic straw usage. Companies like McDonald’s and Starbucks have convinced us that, if we buy their products (including a paper straw of course), that we are being eco warriors. These corporations want us to believe that they promote sustainability when the fact of the matter is that they are the ones who destroy it. Straw discards alone only make up a minuscule piece in the puzzle that is marine biology. The truth is that we are slowly killing biota in bodies of water, not just with waste but as we generate more and more toxic emissions. Interestingly enough, there is increasing evidence that marine systems face heatwaves. Studies like the Projected Marine Heatwaves in the 21st Century and the Potential for Ecological Impact, led by Eric Oliver, examine how climate change ushers in greater heatwave potential.
In today’s society, we have a limited grasp of the wide expanse that comprises aquatic ecosystems. Oliver and his team decided that they would help uncover some of these mysteries. They achieved this through a focused approach on the impacts of exceptionally warm bodies of water. The team found that under RCP8.5, marine heatwaves (MHW) are likely going to be global occurrences, and of increasing intensity. To make matters worse, they calculated this to be as early as between 2030 and 2060 (Oliver et al., 2019). Granted, the IPCC has calculated RCP8.5 as the most traumatic possible future due to climate change (Riahi et al., 2011). Additionally, the group analyzed marine heatwave records between 1961 and 1990, observing that mean annual days of MHW were comparable. This was similar when examining the intensity of MHW. Unsurprisingly, the team found that global averages of annual MHW days increased 54% from 1925 to 2016 (Oliver et al., 2019). Looking forward, the team expects marine heatwaves to be more intense and frequent across the globe. As predicted, the highest emission scenario (RCP8.5) saw doubled MHW intensity by 2100. Under RCP4.5 the projected intensity of MHW is much lesser, however, remains of concern. Both models project similar annual days of recurrences. Essentially, the main distinction is how intense marine heatwaves are predicted to be in the future. This remains an important topic of study so that we can better understand how anthropogenic stressors on climate affect marine ecosystems.
From our limited understanding of marine heatwaves there is still plenty to learn. It is ever-so-important to observe aquatic climatic trends, particularly so that we proceed proactively. As the study highlights, marine heatwaves are detrimental to wildlife, this includes the smallest of organisms to the largest whales. The surmounting evidence of climate change coupled with the team’s findings on MHW show the importance of protecting biota now. Basically, the research identifies how much harm we generate and offers a comprehensive insight into the issue. Now with the knowledge, we can begin to explore combative measures for the protection of species.
I, personally, find this research interesting because never before had I considered the possibilities of heatwaves in water. It is a straightforward concept; warm water accumulates in currents and generates periods of abnormally warm water. This stresses habitats that have not yet had the time to acclimatize. It is important to understand because, as humans, we are the main perpetrators of MHW. Obviously, this being through human-induced climate change. A great example of the harm MHW cause is exemplified in the Great Barrier Reef. Recorded severe coral bleaching resulting from long-periods of exceedingly warm water led to habitat destruction and death (DeCarlo and Harrison, 2019). With this in mind, it is clear to see the importance of understanding MHW so that we can protect marine habitats and species.
Plastic straws in oceans hold the power to kill species, heatwaves on the other hand, hold the power to obliterate entire habitats. So, unlike McDonald’s wants you to believe; there are larger climatic concerns that we must deal with. Under RCP8.5 predictions the intensity and frequency of MHW are expected to have disastrous effects. It is clear that the sooner we take action the better our chances are at maintaining aquatic biodiversity.
Works Cited
DeCarlo, T. M., & Harrison, H. B. (2019). An enigmatic decoupling between heat stress and coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. PeerJ, 7, e7473.
Gall, S. C., & Thompson, R. C. (2015). The impact of debris on marine life. Marine pollution bulletin, 92(1–2), 170–179.
Oliver, E. C., Burrows, M. T., Donat, M. G., Sen Gupta, A., Alexander, L. V., Perkins-Kirkpatrick, S. E., … & Thomsen, M. S. (2019). Projected marine heatwaves in the 21st century and the potential for ecological impact. Frontiers in Marine Science, 6, 734.
Riahi, K., Rao, S., Krey, V., Cho, C., Chirkov, V., Fischer, G., … & Rafaj, P. (2011). RCP 8.5 — A scenario of comparatively high greenhouse gas emissions. Climatic Change, 109(1–2), 33.
