Phytoplanktons
By: Tanya S
Age: 14
Hyderabad, India
By: Tanya S
Age: 14
Hyderabad, India
It has been well established that our planet is in a precarious position; global warming has become an immediate threat to organisms everywhere. One of the more specific aspects of global warming is the reduction of availability of oxygen gas and the increase in greenhouse gases. The excess in these gases such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) , methane and carbon dioxide (CO2), retains most of the short wave radiation reflected by the earth. This process occuring in overabundance is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect and is guilty for our planet rapidly deteriorating. Producers such as trees and plants are responsible for the conversion of CO2 to Oxygen, through a process known as photosynthesis. It is commonly known that deforestation is a direct threat to our environment due to the shortage of photosynthesis, leaving more greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. However, what many do not know is that the plant which converts and undertakes the most photosynthesis are phytoplankton, who contribute over 50% of the Earth’s oxygen.
Phytoplankton are single celled plants, commonly found near the surface of the ocean. Not only do they produce oxygen but they present themselves as vital organisms in the marine food chain. They are prey to many organisms and most of marine life is dependent on these flourishing plants. However, along with our earth’s atmosphere warming, our oceans are increasing in temperature. Phytoplankton are inclined to migrate towards cooler water as cooler waters provide more nutrients compared to warm waters. This leads to an unequal distribution of these organisms. Though they reside at the bottom of the food chain, they are possibly the most integral source of nutrition for most fish. What scientist have now realised is that with the migration of these plants towards cooler seas, comes the question ‘Will marine life be able to adapt to this change?’. The unequal distribution of phytoplankton will heavily damage many fisheries along with many economies such as China, which is currently the largest producer of fish in the world, closely followed by India, USA, Japan, Thailand and many other coastal countries. Researchers are predicting the migration of phytoplankton from north america to cooler water near greenland. The biggest contributor to the phytoplankton decline is global warming, caused by the excess of fossil fuel emissions. This is something that we can control, by choosing to reduce our carbon footprint, and begin using public transport, we can make a significant change in our climate.
Bibliography:
Unknown, Unknown. "Oxygen in the Sea." Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. 23 Apr. 2014. Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. 23 June 2019 <https://www.smhi.se/en/theme/oxygen-in-the-sea-1.11274>.
Watts, Sarah. "GLOBAL WARMING IS PUTTING THE OCEAN'S PHYTOPLANKTON IN DANGER." Pacific Standard. 29 Dec. 2017. 23 June 2019 <https://psmag.com/environment/global-warming-is-putting-phytoplankton-in-danger>.
Phytoplankton are single celled plants, commonly found near the surface of the ocean. Not only do they produce oxygen but they present themselves as vital organisms in the marine food chain. They are prey to many organisms and most of marine life is dependent on these flourishing plants. However, along with our earth’s atmosphere warming, our oceans are increasing in temperature. Phytoplankton are inclined to migrate towards cooler water as cooler waters provide more nutrients compared to warm waters. This leads to an unequal distribution of these organisms. Though they reside at the bottom of the food chain, they are possibly the most integral source of nutrition for most fish. What scientist have now realised is that with the migration of these plants towards cooler seas, comes the question ‘Will marine life be able to adapt to this change?’. The unequal distribution of phytoplankton will heavily damage many fisheries along with many economies such as China, which is currently the largest producer of fish in the world, closely followed by India, USA, Japan, Thailand and many other coastal countries. Researchers are predicting the migration of phytoplankton from north america to cooler water near greenland. The biggest contributor to the phytoplankton decline is global warming, caused by the excess of fossil fuel emissions. This is something that we can control, by choosing to reduce our carbon footprint, and begin using public transport, we can make a significant change in our climate.
Bibliography:
Unknown, Unknown. "Oxygen in the Sea." Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. 23 Apr. 2014. Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. 23 June 2019 <https://www.smhi.se/en/theme/oxygen-in-the-sea-1.11274>.
Watts, Sarah. "GLOBAL WARMING IS PUTTING THE OCEAN'S PHYTOPLANKTON IN DANGER." Pacific Standard. 29 Dec. 2017. 23 June 2019 <https://psmag.com/environment/global-warming-is-putting-phytoplankton-in-danger>.
Editor's note:
Resources To Explore:
Back To Current Issue
Resources To Explore:
- 350.org (short video): Rise For Climate To Build A Fossil Free World
- Learn more: Climate Change and Food Security (Summer 2017 edition)
Back To Current Issue