The influence of man on the oceans

The influence of man on the oceans
The influence of man on the oceans
Humans can undoubtedly be seen as one of the most influential species on the planet Earth. His activities have long -term effects on our environment, especially on the oceans, cover the two thirds of the planet. The role of man in changing the condition of the oceans cannot be assessed highly enough. This article takes a detailed look at the various aspects of human influence on the oceans and discusses the measures that can be taken to minimize them.
The effects of the industrial revolution
The industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries has led to an exponential increase in the activities generated by humans, which have a strong influence on the oceans. With the progress of technology and production capacity, the pressure on the marine ecosystems has also increased.
Effects of overfishing
Overfishing is one of the most direct consequences of the industrial revolution. According to a study by the United Nations, more than 30% of global fish stocks are overfished, which means that the population declines accept alarming proportions. This can lead to significant changes in the marine food chains that can have a disadvantage on the entire biodiversity.
The pollution of the oceans
In addition to the overfishing, the pollution of the oceans is another major problem. In addition to the illegal drainage of pollutants in the oceans, erosion and wastewater contribute to the fact that waste and contaminating material get into the oceans. Much of this pollution is made of plastic. An estimated 8 million tons of plastic get into the ocean every year.
climate change and ocean heating
Climate change and the associated warming of the oceans are responsible for a variety of ecological problems. The heating of the oceans can lead to impairments of photosynthesis in phytoplankton and disturb the ocean currents, which influences the food chain and thus has an impact on all sea creatures.
acidification of the oceans
Another aspect of climate change is the acidification of the oceans. Due to the increased carbon dioxide emissions, the sea absorbs more CO2, which changes its chemical composition and thus the living conditions for many sea creatures.
The future of the oceans
Despite these dark facts, there is hope for the future of our oceans. Many international authorities and scientific organizations are working hard to improve and maintain the condition of the oceans.
protected areas and sustainable fishing
A solution for overfishing could be in the establishment of marine protection areas and the tracking of sustainable fishing. Such methods could maintain biodiversity and ensure healthy fish population.
Cleaning actions and reduction of plastic waste
Cleaning plastic waste from our oceans is already in full swing, but it is a lengthy process. In addition, it is important to reduce the amount of plastic that is produced and disposed of annually.
adaptation and alleviation of climate change
The adaptation and relief of the effects of climate change are other important approaches to preserve our oceans. By reducing CO2 emissions and promoting renewable energies, the effects of climate change on the oceans could be significantly reduced.
final words
In summary, it can be said that man has an enormous influence on the condition of our oceans. Although some of these effects appear irreparable, there are measures that can be taken to improve the situation. What we do or fail will determine the future of our oceans.