Is the Chesapeake Bay at risk? Essay

The earth has witnessed a continued increase in its average surface and aerial temperatures, a phenomenon observed since the periods of industrial revolution struck the globe. Scientists and other experts on climate issues have even projected a further increase in this warming effect (Global warming) coupled with very catastrophic events that only a few people can bear to imagine. This effect has been mainly attributed to the emissions of greenhouse gases mostly generated by various industrial activities carried out by man. (K. Emanuel pp. 686-688) Physicists and chemists for instance, have even predicted this warming phenomenon to continue even beyond the year 2100 irrespective of whether or not the greenhouse gas discharges are stopped or not, owing to the large heat capacity of oceanic waters and also due to the fact that carbon dioxide has a substantially long lifetime in the atmosphere as depicted from its isotopes. Global warming is reported to have brought along with it fear and also panic all over the human race. Despite this modern generation’s acquaintance with lots of sophisticated technology, the increasingly warming earth still poises a deadly challenge which can no longer be ignored. Unpredictable climatic patterns, drastic rise in sea levels, expansion of deserts, retreating glaciers, permafrost, shrinking forests, disappearance and reemergence of certain species amongst many others are some of the adversities man will have to contend with now and in the near future. Chesapeake Bay is just but one of the many other features that have shown evidence of the possible global warming defects. This bay is not only a national treasure to both hunters and anglers, but it also performs a significant task for outdoor enthusiasts. Global warming effects on Chesapeake Bay Experts have expressed fears of loosing this paradise as a resultant consequence of global warming. According to extensive research carried out in this precious treasure of Chesapeake Bay, fish and even wildlife are the most affected by the dramatic events related to global warming. This is not unusual since changes attributed to global warming and their impacts on natural systems are witnessed globally. It will be a great loss to the government since major investments amounting billions of dollars have been channeled towards restoring its watershed in the recent past. (M. S. Kearney pp. 12-22) Is Chesapeake Bay at risk? The drastic climatic change has resulted into warming of Chesapeake air and even water and this will in turn alter the favorable composition of this habitat to the known species. Dead zones will then be expected to drastically increase as a result with dangerous algal blooms replacing the current inhabitants. This will see the area become prone to marine diseases and even enhance the spread of some deadly invasive species like nutria. (T. Edward pp. 1). The waterfowls and even the fishes are also at a risk poised by the sea levels that are rapidly rising. Coastal marshes amongst many other important habitats will be flooded putting this significant resource more at risk. Heat waves, droughts and storms are some catastrophic events resulting from extreme weather conditions that will significantly pollute the Chesapeake Bay; drastically reduce the quality of its waters and eventually making it a health hazard to the people (T. Edward pp. 1). The social life of the people who frequent this bay will thus be affected by these unfortunate results of global warming. The migration patterns observed annually by waterfowls are also expected to change significantly because of the changing climate recorded by scientists across the North America. ( R. W. Howarth pp. 163-186)These alterations in climate will further affect breeding grounds for this bird species and thus only few birds will be seen migrating to Chesapeake Bay annually. Available solutions and Conclusion Since human beings and other living creatures have terribly suffered the dire consequences from global warming, it is only necessary that permanent solutions are put into place to prevent possible extinction of these races. (Webster pp. 1844-1846. ) History has it that, human problems usually find their solution within the race itself. It is indeed our powerful decisions today that influence our tomorrow. The kind of energy resources we exploit, the type of infrastructure we erect and where we built them, what kind of impacts they are likely to cause on our environment or even climate in the future, we make the decisions and so we have the solution! In this particular case, the government or other relevant authority should put in place laws that govern pollution and particularly emission if greenhouse gases. Research has it that a reduction rate of 2% per year of these emissions will significantly improve chances of wildlife survival. These emissions are the major source responsible for global warming and thus it is essential that this initiative is extended to individuals and not solely performed by the government. The noble intent of wildlife managers on wildlife conservation and preservation for the future should be further busted by allocating adequate funds specifically dedicated to the completion of this task. The citizens also have a mandatory role to play in protecting the wildlife and the fish of Chesapeake Bay by recognizing the importance of shielding forests and wetlands, and even all other natural habitats against all ‘odds’ including the speedy urban development. Cited Work R. W. Howarth, et al. â€Å"The influence of climate on average nitrogen export from large watersheds in the Northeastern United States. † Biogeochemistry, 79,(2006) M. S. Kearney â€Å"The Potential for Significant Impacts on Chesapeake Bay,† Scientific Symposium Presentation Abstract, (Washington, D. C. : Climate Institute, 2006). K. Emanuel, â€Å"Increasing Destructiveness of Tropical Cyclones Over the Past 30 Years,† Nature. 436. (2005) Webster, et al. , â€Å"Changes in Tropical Cyclone Number, Duration, and Intensity in a Warming Environment,† Science 309 (2005) T. Edward Nickens, â€Å"National Wildlife ® magazine† (August / September 2002) T. Edward Nickens, â€Å"National Wildlife ® magazine† (December / January 2000)