Protecting our Oceans, Protecting our Health: How Climate Changes Ocean-related Health Benefits

Wednesday, March 10, 2021: 3:30 PM - 4:05 PM

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Description

The Oceans play a critical role in providing healthy food and recreation, generating biological and ecosystem services that support our health and well-being, and providing economic as well as aesthetic value. The oceans also play a critical, but less well understood role, in moderating our climate and predicting our weather—even making a heat forecast! As the climate changes, so too does the chemistry of the oceans and its biological functions, which in turn affects the health benefits upon which we as a society rely. For instance, harmful algal blooms are on the rise, and changes in the seasonality and onset are increasingly common. Similarly, changes in ocean temperatures affect diseases in fish, shellfish and coastal waters, posing an increased risk to both humans and marine life. These climate-related ocean changes, in combination with rapid expansion of human populations along the coasts, are increasingly degrading our ocean and coastal environment, and reducing the health benefits derived therefrom. However, with increased awareness, improved conservation, and prospective action, it is possible to at least reduce the health risks, and potentially improve the health of our oceans and the health of generations to come.

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Track(s)

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  Environmental

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Additional Info

Keywords: Please select up to 4 keywords ONLY:
Environmental - Water,Food Safety,General Interest,Geochemistry