Report on the Health of the World's Oceans (9)
Due to the great complexities in predicting the climate, and observing what effects can happen, only one thing is certain, there are some kinds of changes going on, and they will have effects. The influence on temperature sensitive species will become more obvious. The freshwater inundation into the sea will be further studied. Rising water levels and melting ice may prove to be temporary conditions, or may have widespread consequences. At this point in time, we know too little to predict the events, or how to deal with those events. Our climate is likely going through an important transition, but it may be five or ten years before we really start to grasp how far-reaching the effects will be.
To solve this problem, we must first understand what we are dealing with. Is this a case of global warming and greenhouse gasses? If so, we can take steps to reduce this problem (such as the Kyoto treaty). It is far more likely that what is happening in our climate, is a combination of factors that are all interacting and influencing one another. Many of these factors are beyond our control. Oversimplifying the processes down to a manmade cause of CO2 and other gasses, may give us a sense of control, and a feeling that we can do something, but it does not solve the complex problem.
To gain an understanding of climate change and its effects on the oceans, marine life, and ultimately humans, many international programs have been set up. These include the Global Change Research Program, Global Ocean Observing System, and World Ocean Circulation Experiment (7). In the United States, the Acoustic Thermometry of Ocean Climate project has begun work (19).
Armed with increased knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the major issues involved in our oceans’ health, and the enormous impact this can have on us, we are now prepared to take action. Whether this action is in the form of personal responsibility for how we may be adding to pollution and depleting resources, or whether we are in a position to make management decisions and recommendations, we can take action. Our oceans’ health and our own depends on what we do today, tomorrow, and long into the future. References
1. Bowman, L. Ocean’s Health Linked to Ours Recent Studies Sweep Away Complacency. Scripps Howard News Service, 1999, http://abc.news.com.
2. Kovats, R.S. El Nino and Human Health. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2000, 78 (9): 1127-1135.
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