This book explores pollution issues related to climatic, economic, and legal globalization, covering changes in oceans, marine pollution, global shipping, species invasion, and regulatory responses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Pollution is a major issue facing climatic, economic, and legal globalization, with changes in oceans, marine currents, and climate linked to pollution. Global shipping and species invasion, global climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic environments, and regulatory responses to mitigate pollution and climate change in oceans are all discussed in this book.

Pollution: A Global Challenge

Pollution is a major issue facing climatic, economic, and legal globalization. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including changes in oceans from ancient times to the present, the importance of marine currents and changing climates, marine pollution linked to climate change, global shipping and species invasion, global climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic environments, and regulatory responses to mitigate pollution and climate change in oceans.

Changes in Oceans from Ancient Times to the Present

The oceans have undergone significant changes over time, with the emergence of new species, the extinction of others, and the alteration of ocean currents and temperatures. These changes have had a profound impact on the environment, including the distribution of marine life, the productivity of fisheries, and the overall health of the planet. One of the most significant changes in the oceans is the increase in ocean acidification, which is caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This acidification can have negative effects on marine organisms, including coral reefs, which are important for the survival of many species. Another important change in the oceans is the increase in marine pollution, which is caused by a variety of factors, including fossil fuels, global carbon dioxide, heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, emerging pollutants, and marine debris. Marine pollution can have negative effects on marine organisms, including death, injury, and habitat destruction. It can also have negative effects on human health, including the consumption of contaminated seafood and the exposure to toxic chemicals.

The Importance of Marine Currents and Changing Climates

Marine currents and changing climates are important factors in the distribution of marine life and the productivity of fisheries. Marine currents can transport nutrients and other materials from one part of the ocean to another, which can help to support the growth of marine organisms. Changing climates can also have a significant impact on marine life, including the migration of species and the alteration of habitats. For example, the melting of ice in the Arctic and Antarctic regions can lead to the loss of habitat for many species, including polar bears and penguins. This can have negative effects on the overall health of the planet, including the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and the disruption of the global climate system.

Marine Pollution Linked to Climate Change

Marine pollution is linked to climate change in a number of ways. Fossil fuels, global carbon dioxide, heavy metals, pesticides, plastics, emerging pollutants, and marine debris are all sources of pollution that can contribute to climate change. Fossil fuels are the primary source of carbon dioxide emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change. Global carbon dioxide emissions have increased significantly over the past few decades, and this has led to the warming of the planet. Heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics are also sources of pollution that can contribute to climate change. These pollutants can be released into the ocean through various means, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage. Emerging pollutants, such as microplastics, are also a significant source of pollution that can contribute to climate change. Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are found in the ocean, and they can be ingested by marine organisms, which can have negative effects on their health. Marine debris, such as plastic bags, bottles, and fishing gear, can also contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the ocean and reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the ocean surface.

Global Shipping and Species Invasion

Global shipping is a major contributor to marine pollution. Ships transport goods and materials around the world, and they can release pollutants into the ocean through various means, including the discharge of waste, the release of ballast water, and the use of fossil fuels. Global shipping can also contribute to species invasion, which is the introduction of non-native species into a new environment. Species invasion can have negative effects on the environment, including the displacement of native species, the alteration of habitats, and the introduction of diseases. For example, the introduction of the zebra mussel into the Great Lakes has caused significant damage to the ecosystem, including the loss of native fish species.

Global Climate Change in the Arctic and Antarctic Environments

Global climate change is a significant issue in the Arctic and Antarctic environments. The Arctic is warming at a rate that is twice the global average, and this is causing the melting of ice and the loss of habitat for many species. The Antarctic is also warming, but at a slower rate than the Arctic. Global climate change is also causing the loss of sea ice, which is important for the survival of many species, including polar bears and penguins. Global climate change is also causing the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change.

Regulatory Responses to Mitigate Pollution and Climate Change in Oceans

Regulatory responses to mitigate pollution and climate change in oceans are being implemented in a number of ways. One of the most significant regulatory responses is the implementation of marine protected areas. Marine protected areas are areas of the ocean that are protected from human activities, such as fishing, mining, and drilling. Marine protected areas can help to protect marine life and habitats from pollution and climate change. Another regulatory response is the implementation of emissions regulations. Emissions regulations can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere. Additionally, regulatory responses can include the implementation of waste management regulations, the implementation of water quality regulations, and the implementation of biodiversity regulations.

Conclusion

Pollution is a major issue facing climatic, economic, and legal globalization, with changes in oceans, marine currents, and climate linked to pollution. Global shipping and species invasion, global climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic environments, and regulatory responses to mitigate pollution and climate change in oceans are all discussed in this book. By implementing regulatory responses, we can help to protect marine life and habitats from pollution and climate change and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for the planet.

Weight: 621g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367781910