Group 6
Public Awareness
With the increase in social media usage, it is easier than ever to publicize any issue. Being mindful of their actions on an individual level would inevitably cause changes on a behavioral level. Once public opinion is shaped individuals or organizations can start collective action, examples of this were TeamTrees in 2019 and TeamSeas in 2021. To effectively convey the urgency for change, campaigns should focus on attainable goals that also prioritize the well-being of the current population. By increasing the visibility of these campaigns, the message can penetrate deeper into the collective consciousness of the people and exert political pressure on governments forcing them to take immediate action so as to not lose the public favor. The ultimate goal is to inspire decisions that prioritize environmental mindfulness and consider the well-being of future generations.
Restoration & Protection of Ecosystems
Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds play an important role in buffering the effects of climate change on bodies of water. These ecosystems serve as natural buffers, absorbing excess nutrients, filtering pollutants, and housing marine life. As a result, efforts should be made to restore and safeguard these ecosystems. This can be accomplished through initiatives such as reforestation, the establishment of marine protected areas, and the use of sustainable coastal management methods that limit coastal growth while preventing the destruction of essential habitats. Governments should also pass harsher regulations to limit overfishing and the destruction of marine habitats such as coral reefs. One of the solutions is kelp forests, which are quite effective in reversing ocean acidification by absorbing the carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, which in turn further promotes biodiversity that could potentially eat the harmful algae. Protecting the ocean's flora and fauna is very crucial since approximately 93% of CO2 can be found in the oceans. Crucial for that are marine protected areas, as of 2023 only less than 8% of the oceans are protected. Implementing MPAs is an effective approach to conserve and restore marine ecosystems. These designated areas restrict or limit human activities such as fishing, mining, and pollution, allowing marine species and habitats to recover and thrive.
Reducing GHG Emissions
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most effective approaches to prevent climate change and its effects on bodies of water. This can be accomplished by a variety of implications such as shifting to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, encouraging sustainable mobility, and enacting regulations that encourage carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions reductions. We can decrease the rate of climate change by cutting emissions, which helps to mitigate acidification, eutrophication, and rising sea levels.
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In a research study it was revealed that coal has the worst impact on areas such as eutrophication, freshwater and marine ecotoxicity. Instead they urged to swap quickly to replace coal and oil with gas.
Water Quality
Eutrophication, which occurs as a result of excessive nutrient runoff from agricultural activities, can be harmful to bodies of water. In order to prevent that Sustainable agriculture approaches should be encouraged to address this issue. Implementing precision farming techniques to optimize fertilizer use, adopting organic farming methods, promoting conservation tillage to reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff, and implementing buffer zones and riparian vegetation to filter and retain nutrients before they reach water bodies are all examples of what is involved. Nutrient management can assist limit the quantity of excess nutrients reaching water systems, hence reducing the effects of eutrophication.
Prediction by the United Nations
Expected Result
By raising awareness and encouraging individuals to reduce their activities contributing to climate change, we can anticipate several positive outcomes. These actions have the potential to decrease pollution, thereby mitigating eutrophication, acidification, and rising sea levels. Key strategies for addressing climate change's impact on bodies of water include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving land use practices, and enhancing water quality.
A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions can lead to lower water temperatures, which in turn helps alleviate the occurrence of eutrophication. The greenhouse effect, which traps solar energy on Earth, can be mitigated by individuals reducing their emissions. This decrease in energy retention results in cooler water temperatures, thus reducing the risk of eutrophication.
Improving land use practices, particularly by preserving natural environments like forests and mangroves, can have a positive impact on water quality. Forests and mangroves play a vital role in the ground-water relationship, enhancing water quality by effectively trapping and cycling various organic materials, chemical elements, and essential nutrients within coastal ecosystems.
Lastly, enhancing water quality involves minimizing the use of harmful substances that can pollute water sources. By preventing chemicals and trash from entering drains and subsequently reaching the ocean, we can effectively prevent water pollution. Taking responsible actions to prevent pollutants from flowing into drainage systems contributes to the overall improvement and maintenance of water quality.
In summary, through increased awareness and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve land use practices, and enhance water quality, we can expect positive outcomes such as reduced pollution, mitigated eutrophication, and improved overall health of bodies of water.
References
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2021, August 17). What is a Mangrove? | Florida Department of Environmental Protection. https://floridadep.gov/. https://floridadep.gov/water/submerged-lands-environmental-resources-coordination/content/what-mangrove
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Gaete-Morales, C., Gallego-Schmid, A., Stamford, L., & Azapagic, A. (2019). Life cycle environmental impacts of electricity from fossil fuels in Chile over a ten-year period. Journal of Cleaner Production, 232, 1499–1512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.05.374
Hays, B. (2017, June 5). Marine reserves can serve as buffer to effects of climate change, study suggests - UPI.com. United Press International. https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2017/06/05/Marine-reserves-can-serve-as-buffer-to-effects-of-climate-change-study-suggests/7011496690595/
Hirsh, H. (2021, September 28). Can Kelp Forests be Used to Reduce Ocean Acidification? | PME. PRECISION MEASUREMENT ENGINEERING. https://www.pme.com/case-studies/can-kelp-forests-be-used-to-reduce-ocean-acidification
Learn. (n.d.). World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org/initiatives/eutrophication-and-hypoxia/learn
United Nations. (n.d.). Climate Adaptation. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-adaptation?gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPKiBhDvARIsACn-gzCHPAmbmgU6rYSruJb5_SDR9Ajg0AfUkn8rrpOdkA5_08LoKa7KOPUaAj5mEALw_wcB
United Nations. (2022, January 11). 5 things you should know about the greenhouse gases warming the planet. UN News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/01/1109322?gclid=CjwKCAjwge2iBhBBEiwAfXDBRz4hU3sUI9_4TNGox_HfpCQ15fdK0hAlsldp3PKOSkhmotHoGqkywRoCcfMQAvD_BwE
United Nations. (2023, February 14). Sea level rise poses ‘unthinkable’ risks for the planet, Security Council hears. UN News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/02/1133492
Zachary Poole. (2023, January 18). 6 Ways to Prevent Water Pollution. Raleigh. https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/6-ways-prevent-water-pollution