Green Living — November 10, 2010
How we wrecked the ocean and what we can do about it
A leader in the study of the ecology and evolution of marine organisms, Jeremy Jackson is known for his deep understanding of geological time. In this alarming TED video, Jackson lays out the shocking state of the ocean today: over fished, overheated, polluted, with indicators that things will get much much worse.
Astonishing photos and stats make the case for the devasting truth about mankind’s effect on the oceans. And now with the BP oil spill, our abuse of the ocean is undeniable and people everywhere and all at once should make their voices heard. The ocean covers 71 percent of the earth’s surface and contains 97 percent of the planet’s water, yet more than 95 percent of the underwater world remains unexplored. The ocean and lakes play an integral role in all of the earth’s eco systems including climate and weather.
Jackson is the Ritter Professor of Oceanography and Director of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Painting pictures of changing marine environments, particularly coral reefs and the Isthmus of Panama, Jackson’s research captures the extreme environmental decline of the oceans that has accelerated in the past 200 years.
Jackson’s current work focuses on the future of the world’s oceans, given overfishing, habitat destruction and ocean warming, which have fundamentally changed marine ecosystems and led to “the rise of slime.” Although Jackson’s work describes grim circumstances, even garnering him the nickname Dr. Doom, he believes that successful management and conservation strategies can renew the ocean’s health.
Like Jackson, we too believe the earth and the ocean’s health can be restored but it requries massive action on the part of everyone, everywhere all at once. The internet and hopefully the Blue Ok can serve as a catalyst for people’s participation in the successful management of the earth’s vital eco systems that support all of life. . . -the Blue OK
Check out Greenpeace‘s animated chart on the journey of trash in the oceans.
http://oceans.greenpeace.org/en/the-expedition/
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The book is written as a college-level text for first year oceanography students. But whether you are a serious student of oceanography or a curious inquirer, this is the perfect book. It is hard to find a textbook that combines an engaging style with a scholarly approach that leaves the reader feeling both truly informed and amazed. This book does both. Like the title says, this book details the essentials of oceanography.
OMG, Check out the Greenpeace journey of trash just in a few short years!! It’s horrible. We need to do what we can to stop it.