A new study that was published in the scientific journal Nature has found that phytoplankton throughout the globe’s oceans are decreasing at a rate of one percent annually. The study, conducted by Daniel G. Boyce, Marlon R. Lewis, and Boris Worm, used multiple indicators to analyze phytoplankton numbers over the past century. The indicators used include satellite images, oceanic transparency records, and chlorophyll pigment concentration (Chl) specimens. The scientists were able to control for normal fluctuations in ocean temperatures through statistical regression analysis, and found that the decline in phytoplankton seems to be directly correlated with rising global temperatures.
Phytoplankton are minuscule marine plants that produce half of the earth’s oxygen generated by plants. They account for half the world’s primary production, which means they are responsible for half the production of organic matter on earth. Phytoplankton are at the bottom of the ocean’s food chain, and therefore the rest of the ocean’s ecosystem is greatly dependent upon them for survival. They set the upper limits to fishery yields and greatly affect marine life – both in terms of number and diversity. They also play a great role in influencing climate processes, global cloud cover, and biogeochemical cycles like the carbon cycle. Phytoplankton play no small part in the ecological system of the earth’s oceans, and therefore the ecosystem of the world. The one percent annual decline of phytoplankton, which has been indicated through Boyce et al.’s study, should be yet another wake-up call to the world community that global warming and climate change are delivering devastating consequences to our planet – and threatening human existence, in addition to the existence of all forms of life.
Phytoplankton, one of the earth’s most important ecological substances, are on the decline at an expeditious rate. What does this decline mean? It means that the world’s oxygen supply will be threatened. It means that marine life will lose a primary food source. It means that fish yields that human diets in some parts of the world are dependent upon will decline. It means that the climate of the earth could be symbiotically impacted in a negative way. It means that ecological photosynthesis processes will be disrupted in unfathomable ways. It means that climate change is producing another known effect of grave consequence, like melting icecaps and agricultural disruption. It means that we have got to wake up and put a stop to ridiculous levels of carbon output and excessive consumption. We have to to put a stop to global warming, climate change, and their long-lasting, far-reaching effects. If we don’t stop now, quite frankly, it will be too late.
