scrAPES Week 9
Topic: Lack of Ice Forces Some 35,000 Walruses to Chill on Alaska Shore
By: Steve Quinn of the Scientific American
Date: October 1, 2014
Summary
Global climate change's main issue has always been the possibility of the ice caps melting, causing arctic animals to migrate elsewhere to mate, hunt, or live. Unfortunately, this has already begun to happen - 35,000 walruses (walri?) were observed to be retreating to the Alaskan coast, near Point Lay, a coastal village 700 miles away from Anchorage. Although scientists are worried about the warming region and the disappearance of ice caps, the walrus's shelter and mating ground, scientists also worry for the mortality rate of the walrus group that is now on the coast, since young walruses have an increased risk of being trampled by others. Scientists even predict that this may happen to other species if ice caps are depleted enough in the future.
Reflection
Considering its importance in both holding the humongous amount of methane gas in permafrost and its aesthetic and scientific value, I believe that the arctic should be protected by conservation organizations by pollution limitations on corporations, awareness, and constant monitoring of the environment. If the ice caps melt, methane gas from permafrost will further pollute our air and kill countless organisms. In order to control global climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must be limited by investing in pollution filters, or limiting the amount of emissions a company or resident can pump.
By: Steve Quinn of the Scientific American
Date: October 1, 2014
Summary
Global climate change's main issue has always been the possibility of the ice caps melting, causing arctic animals to migrate elsewhere to mate, hunt, or live. Unfortunately, this has already begun to happen - 35,000 walruses (walri?) were observed to be retreating to the Alaskan coast, near Point Lay, a coastal village 700 miles away from Anchorage. Although scientists are worried about the warming region and the disappearance of ice caps, the walrus's shelter and mating ground, scientists also worry for the mortality rate of the walrus group that is now on the coast, since young walruses have an increased risk of being trampled by others. Scientists even predict that this may happen to other species if ice caps are depleted enough in the future.
Reflection
Considering its importance in both holding the humongous amount of methane gas in permafrost and its aesthetic and scientific value, I believe that the arctic should be protected by conservation organizations by pollution limitations on corporations, awareness, and constant monitoring of the environment. If the ice caps melt, methane gas from permafrost will further pollute our air and kill countless organisms. In order to control global climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must be limited by investing in pollution filters, or limiting the amount of emissions a company or resident can pump.