Thousands of Dead Fish Washed up on Texas Shore

Thousands of Dead Fish Washed up on Texas Shore

By: Grace Hyunjoo Lee

Thousands of dead fish washed up on the shores of the gulf coast of Texas over the weekend, revealing a distressing sight to local authorities, visitors, and tourists. 
The incident, which occurred in Brazoria County, more than 40 miles south of Houston, was a result of waves from the Gulf of Mexico pushing in dead fish. This event is said to be a result of low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, making it difficult for the fish to breathe. This phenomenon, commonly known as a "fish kill," is actually not uncommon during the summer months when temperatures rise in the region.
While no direct link to climate change has been established in this particular occurrence, experts have pointed out that fish kills like this one may become more frequent as temperatures continue to warm and oxygen levels in lakes across the United States and Europe decline.
The amount of dissolved oxygen in water largely depends on the process of photosynthesis. During daylight hours, plants in the water undergo photosynthesis. However, as sunlight disappears at night, photosynthesis slows down, while aquatic plants and animals continue to consume oxygen at the same rate. This leads to a decrease in oxygen concentration, making it challenging for fish to survive.
The incident shows the delicate balance of ecosystems and the potential consequences of environmental changes. As global temperatures continue to rise, such fish kills may become more frequent, requiring a closer examination of the underlying causes and the urgent need for climate action. It is crucial for people to work together to implement sustainable practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change to protect the earth and humans for future generations. 

Works Cited:

Images: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/thousands-dead-fish-wash-texas-coast-beachgoers-urged-steer-clear-rcna89036

Distribution of the Edible Insect Board Game

 Distribution of the Edible Insect Board Game

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

    Recently, Ecosave had a captivating idea to capture the attention of young people: the Edible Insect Board Game. No, you do not eat edible insects while playing the board game. However, the concept is that through this board game, young learners across the world can become interested in seeking out the role that insects play for the environment and the world. Over the past year, this unique game made its way across the seas to two different countries including the United States and South Korea. 

      

    Last Year, the Edible Insect Board Game made its first destination in the United States. Specifically, 30 different American elementary schools and public libraries received this board game to captivate the overall purpose of having edible insects. Although the board game did not contain factual information about the environment, it still introduced the younger generation to a concept that they may have not heard before. Thus, sparked curiosity may be an outcome, leading to future explorations related to this topic.

    Building upon the success in America, the Edible Insect Board Game made its second destination in South Korea this year. This time, 10 South Korean kindergartens and public libraries received the board game with the same goal: to influence the minds of young children. Furthermore, one of the Korean Kindergartens sent us pictures of the children actually playing the board game. Seeing their enjoyment, it was clear that this board game idea was a success.

    Regardless of where the Edible Insect Board Game goes to, the idea is always the same. We, Ecosave, will continue to influence the people around the world by spreading awareness of the environment and its imperative need for aid. 

    

The Environmental Shift

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

         Many of you might know that the Industrial Revolution was an important period in human history that triggered many advancements in technology, economic growth, and societal changes. Machines and factories increased and the world witnessed a significant shift to industrialized economies. However, this shift came with a considerable cost to the environment. 

Before the Industrial Revolution, human societies mostly relied on agricultural practices and local craftsmanship. Large factories were basically nonexistent, and most production included manual labor. Additionally, population densities were much lower, causing minimal environmental impact. For example, forests covered extensive areas, providing habitat for wildlife and overall increasing biodiversity. Due to this agricultural approach, humans and nature had a harmonious relationship since ecosystems were left undisturbed, 

However, beginning in the late 18th century, the Industrial Revolution began. It led humanity into a new era of mass manufacturing. The number of factories rapidly proliferated, which in turn gave tons of employment opportunities. Therefore, there was a dramatic environmental change since pollution and resource extraction exponentially rose. 

Due to this immense change, the environment was harmfully affected. Some of this effects include:

1. Deforestation: The demand for wood and land for factory construction led to widespread deforestation. This severely impacted ecosystems and reduced biodiversity.

2. Air Pollution: The burning of fossil fuels released abundant amounts of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming or climate change. 

3. Water Pollution: The emission of industrial waste into bodies of water contaminated fresh sources, endangering marine life and human health.

These are only some of the immense effects the Industrial Revolution brought to humanity. Thus, it can certainly be said that the Industrial Revolution was a turning point in human history, driving economic growth but demanding a heavy toll on the environment. 

Climate Crisis: Extreme Temperatures

Climate Crisis: Extreme Temperatures

By: Grace Hyunjoo Lee

Recently, the earth has been experiencing extremely high temperatures, July 2023 being the planet’s hottest month on record. With this new record and continuous heat across the world, extreme heatwaves have become more frequent, raising concerns about the effects of climate change and the problems posed to the environment and humans. Hot weather events are becoming increasingly severe and frequent, and record-breaking temperatures are becoming the new norm. 

One of the most concerning aspects of this trend is the frequent repetition of these extreme heat events. Records that were set just a few years ago are now being broken with alarming regularity. Climate scientists warn that if we fail to curb greenhouse gas emissions soon, this upward trend in both temperatures and natural disasters will simply continue. 

The increased and unnatural amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere changes the chemical composition of the atmosphere, making it thinner and therefore more easily penetrable. This decreases the albedo effect, which means less energy or heat is reflected back into space and absorbed into Earth. 

These are some of the challenges and problems this poses:

• Health Risks: Extreme heat is a threat to human health. Especially in areas such as Arizona, heat strokes have become more frequent. Other possible illnesses are dehydration and heat exhaustion.

• Agricultural Impact: High temperatures can destroy crops and agriculture. The heatwaves can lead to soil desiccation, less water, fewer crops, and therefore increases food prices.  

• Water Scarcity: Hot weather worsens already existing water scarcity issues. Higher temperatures increase the evaporation of water, leading to reduced water levels in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. 

• Wildfires: Extreme heat and more frequent droughts cause more wildfires to spread rapidly. These fires destroy wildlife and result in worsened air quality and the destruction of human settlements.

Haddad, Mohammed. “What Is the Highest Temperature Ever Recorded in Your Country?” Infographic News | Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 18 July 2022, www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/18/what-is-the-highest-temperature-ever-recorded-in-your-country. 

Behavioral and Social Science on Environmental Concern

 Behavioral and Social Science on Environmental Concern

Written by Caleb Paik

Mentioned in my previous report, space debris is nothing compared to human activity on the impact of Earth’s environment. These activities come in many different forms: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Environmental changes like these are everywhere. They have triggered multiple forms of environmental concerns such as climate change, erosion, poor air quality, and polluted water. These negative impacts ultimately end up harming humans. As daunting as this may seem, humans have the necessary tools to face it.

For further study on this topic, the Center for Behavior & the Environment (BE Center) partnered with The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility. They specifically explored the evidence of how behavior and social science can help solve environmental concerns such as the one listed above. 

They first made a realization that “for people problems, we need people solutions.” However, Katie Williamson, a senior associate and manager at the BE Center, states that “the approaches and methods we’re using now, many of them aren’t working…to really address these problems before they get worse.” Thus, this partnership was made to have a deeper look into social & behavioral science to create new environmental solutions. They first reviewed previously made research about behavioral science on environmental concern. Then, they translated the insights from the literature into practical guidance on how to perform in regards to environmental concern. Through this project, the members and volunteers of BE Center and The Global Environment Facility were able to inspire change through the science of human behavior so that people and nature can thrive. 

• https://rare.org/video/bringing-the-science-of-human-behavior-to-environmental-challenges/?gclid=CjwKCAjw-vmkBhBMEiwAlrMeF9004Q2KiQUUzxGTNk6du-5QAWTabQrgEN-O8I7YLzDvmYymLFdZNRoCpQYQAvD_BwE

• https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/resource-library-human-impacts-environment/

Space Debris: Is it a Problem for Earth?

Space Debris: Is it a Problem for Earth?

Written by Caleb Paik

Space debris, as the name suggests, is any piece of machinery or junk left by humans in space. More than 27000 pieces of space debris are found and tracked by Space Surveillance Network sensors but they fail to count tiny pieces of debris, which leads the total count to be much higher. The rising number of space debris increases the danger to all space vehicles, such as the international space station. Both the debris and spacecraft travel at extremely high speeds making even a small impact with a tiny piece of debris very dangerous. 

Due to these potential dangers, tracking the debris is necessary. The Department of Defense maintains a highly accurate satellite catalog on orbital debris, junk that orbits the Earth. This system regulates objects that are mostly all larger than a softball. With this, The DoD and NASA teamed up to regulate space debris more efficiently. With cooperation, they were able to regulate debris that are as small as 4 inches in diameter.  

While space debris can potentially greatly affect the people in space, how about the people on Earth? While it may seem unlikely, space debris can negatively affect the Earth’s environment and atmosphere. Researchers estimated that 80 tons of space debris re-enter Earth’s atmosphere each year. This debris can release compositional chemicals that reach the Earth’s atmosphere when they burn upon falling to Earth. These chemicals slowly deplete ozone, allowing more UV radiation to reach the Earth’s surface. When exposed to a lot, this radiation can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune systems. Fortunately, Earth is quite large and even with tons of debris falling to Earth, the impact it has to its environment can be negligible. Human activity is far more of an issue that we must prioritize.  

• https://www.scienceabc.com/nature/universe/how-does-space-debris-impact-earths-environment-and-atmosphere.html#:~:text=Space%20debris%20impacts%20Earth's%20environment,future%20launches%20and%20space%20exploration.\

• https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/orbital_debris.html

The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt Problem

 The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt Problem

Written by Grace Hyunjoo Lee

What is Sargassum? Sargassum is a species of leafy brown seaweed originating from the Atlantic Ocean and Southeast coast of the U.S. It supplies habitats and breeding grounds for various species of marine life. 

As summer is arriving, the bloom season of Sargassum is quickly approaching, but maybe a little too quickly this time. Beaches are already receiving an overabundance of this algae, the highest influx this early in the year; an 8,000 km long seaweed belt is drifting into Florida and Mexico.  Although it is vital for marine life to thrive, this year’s bloom is causing an array of issues. 

Through modern agriculture techniques, increased quantities of nutrients are sent downstream into the ocean. Warming waters and changes in atmospheric patterns can also change this seaweed's growth.

Excessive amounts of this substance are causing long brown carpets to be left on the sand and produce the smell of rotten eggs, repelling tourists as well as harming marine life. 

When the huge mats of Sargassum collect at the coast, marine animals can become trapped in or under it and cause breathing problems. It also prevents sunlight from reaching underwater, which is necessary for many plants and grasses. These grasses serve as a vital source of nutrients for many other organisms and Florida’s endangered manatees. 

It is not only causing a disturbance on the beaches but also giving rise to further toxic effects.

When it is washed up on the beaches, it is exposed to the hot sun, causing rapid decay and releasing Hydrogen Sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas that can be dangerous to inhale at high levels. 

When the Sargassum dies following decay, it sinks to the ocean floor and smothers coral 

Moreover, the decomposition of algae removes oxygen from the waste and exacerbates the already existing issue, resulting in mass fish deaths.

Unfortunately, environmental laws restrict the removal of Sargassum from the ocean, and the installation of certain barriers or mechanisms can rely on either since they take longer to get approved. There are many opposing judgments about this occurrence; although Sargassum poses a threat to the local wildlife near the coasts, it stores carbon in the open ocean, which controls the level of carbon in the atmosphere. 

Sources:

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/sargassum-seaweed-blob-explained-florida-scn/index.html

Images:

(1): https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/64894471

(2): https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2023/03/14/seaweed-sargassum-beaches-florida-bloom-record/