Author Archives: mckenziekm

Citizen Science

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For my second blog post, I decided to participate in a citizen science clean-up project. My roommate and I had already planned on going to the Hazel Parker Playground’s dog park located on East Bay Street, which is part of our regular weekly routine. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take some bags and gloves and pick up litter.

I didn’t suspect the amount of trash I would find in such a small vicinity. As soon as I started my clean-up, first finding a bottle cap and an old newspaper, I ended up collecting one thing after another. It was shocking to find so much trash in such a short amount of time. I visit the dog park at least three times a week and it always appeared relatively clean and kept-up with. This project helped me realize that litter is so prominent, especially in the areas that I frequently visit and pass by. Because it’s not something I’m actively looking for, I often find myself overlooking this immense issue. It’s unfortunate that it took this project to truly open my eyes to the problem, but I’m happy that I decided to do it. It was also encouraging that my roommate was so willing to help me walk around and collect the trash.

I found myself feeling optimistic while picking up the litter. It almost became a sort-of game; picking up one wrapper and then spotting and running to another piece of trash to collect. Although I was only working and focusing on a relatively small space, it still felt empowering to feel like I was making at least a small difference in the community. Other people at the park spotted my roommate and I walking around and picking up the waste and proceeded to ask us what we were doing out of curiosity. After explaining my intentions, they were all encouraging and positive about our actions. This also contributed to my optimism, because maybe at least one other person had walked away with the urge to make a difference. Picking up litter can be as easy as just spotting something on the ground on your walk to class. Waste is unfortunately all over our community, but if we all adapt the mindset that change can be accomplished with action, we could definitely see big changes.

This activity connects to our class because it highlights the importance of cleaning up and contributing to our community and environment. We’re all aware that litter is detrimental to our ecosystems. Especially since we’re so close to the coast, floating trash can negatively impact species and wildlife. Within about 10 minutes of walking around, I alone picked up 11 different paper/cardboard debris, 2 plastic caps and a lid, an empty cigarette pack, and a few more various items. A good amount of the trash I collected was embedded in leaves and even stuck in the fences surrounding the park. It’s frustrating to know that there are those who aren’t as conscious of their actions or impacts on the environment. Hopefully with more awareness and knowledge about this issue, change is inevitable.

“The World is Losing Fish to Eat as Oceans Warm, Study Finds”

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What & Who?

  • Fish populations are declining as oceans warm
  • Food and income are now at risk for millions of people
    • 17% of the global population’s intake of animal protein (up to 70% for coastal and tropical regions)
    • Northeast region of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sea of Japan have been greatly impacted (up to 35% decline)
    • In East Asia, where communities are very dependent on seafood, ecosystems have had a paramount decline in fisheries productivity.
  • Due to warming waters, fish are expanding their range in search of favored temperatures.
  • If ocean temps reach too high, fish can be killed off along with their food sources.

When, Where, & How?

  • Warming waters, resulting from climate change, have led to declines in fish populations.
  • Climate change greatly impacts marine life
    • 93% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases is absorbed by the oceans
    • Free began this research while attending Rutgers University as a Ph.D. student.
    • 235 fish populations located in 38 ecological regions around the globe
    • Study separated other factors (overfishing) from the effects of warming waters
    • Research suggested that overfishing made fish more vulnerable to temp changes (hurt their ability to reproduce)
    • A measure developed by the UN was used to determine the amount of food that can be repeatedly harvested from a base population of fish
    • A quarter of the regions determined no significant changes in populations (northwest Atlantic)
    • Northeast Atlantic and Sea of Japan hit hardest (significant decline in sustainable catches)
    • “Overall, more populations of fish declined than increased over the eight decades in the study.”

Impact & Relevance to Society:

  • Food source and income for millions is threatened
  • Fish are a vital source of protein for many
  • About 56 million are supported by marine fisheries
  • “Having regulations that are adaptive to climate change is going to be really important for maximizing food potential.”

Relevance to Class:

  • Discusses climate change and the impacts it can have on various species
  • Many studies have focused on what will happen in the future as a result of climate change
    • This study reflects actual effects that are currently impacting the ecosystem

Questions this Article Raises:

  • How could we potentially limit the warming?
    • Different study found that billions in extra revenue for fisheries could result from limiting warming to 2.7°F above preindustrial levels
      • Paris Climate Agreement goal
    • Would benefit people in developing countries where fish are a crucial protein source

 

Pierre-louis, Kendra. “The World Is Losing Fish to Eat as Oceans Warm, Study Finds.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 28 Feb. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/02/28/climate/fish-climate-change.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fclimate&action=click&contentCollection=climate®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=5&pgtype=sectionfront.

 

Nature Inspiration

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Lately, I’ve been feeling more connected to the natural world than I ever have before. I really started to recognize nature and began to appreciate it last spring, and now my understanding of it is expanding due to being enrolled in two environmentally-related classes (Intro to Environmental Studies and Environmental Ethics). Prior to last spring, I only valued nature and the environment in an anthropocentric way; I viewed it as having purely aesthetic value. I wasn’t even aware that there was a term for that kind of perspective until this semester. I’ve learned in this class, as well as in Environmental Ethics, about anthropocentrism and what it means to view the world in a human-centered light. While I did appreciate nature’s beauty and how it made me feel, I now have grown to cherish that the environment has intrinsic value. There’s more to the environment than the ways in which it can be convenient and instrumental to humans. It might be important to be connected to the natural world because we collectively can act respectfully and responsibly in order to protect our environment and prevent further damage. I find it especially important to take care of our planet because human activity can result in detrimental impacts to all species. Personally, my view has shifted to a biocentrist one. Human needs are not more important than those of other living things, so we should refrain from indirectly harming the environment through our actions and practices.

Instead of simply going outside to my back patio, I chose to make a trip to the beach. I went to Sullivan’s Island this past Saturday with these guidelines in mind. I chose Sullivan’s over the other beaches in the area because it’s my favorite destination for whenever I need to clear my mind and calm down. Thinking ahead and bringing a blanket to sit on, I made it just in time for the sunset. Unsurprisingly, I ended up staying for nearly half an hour embracing my surroundings. I’ve witnessed many Charleston sunsets over my three years here, but this one was different. I focused on the various aspects of my immediate area, which included the dunes, sand, and the sound of the crashing waves in the near distance. Typically, I turn to my phone in order to capture the moment in pictures. This time though, I chose just to sit there and take in the ocean’s serenity. I realized how much more relaxing it felt to just observe instead of capturing it in a photo. Sometimes it’s better to enjoy every second of the picture in front of you, instead of looking through a phone’s camera. With the sound of the waves as a backdrop, I felt entirely enthralled by the natural area around me. As I watched the light pinks and yellows gradually mesh and fade in the sky, I took in a deep breath and exhaled. As I left Sullivan’s that night, I not only had a clearer mind but felt closer to nature than I have in months. Even though the sunset was not saved in a photograph, it’s fixed in my memory.