Tag: coral reefs

Author SuzannePosted on Categories Climate Change & Energy, Habitats, Sonoma CoastTags , , , , ,

Heatwaves sweeping oceans ‘like wildfires’, scientists reveal

Damian Carrington, THE GUARDIAN

Extreme temperatures destroy kelp, seagrass and corals – with alarming impacts for humanity

The number of heatwaves affecting the planet’s oceans has increased sharply, scientists have revealed, killing swathes of sea-life like “wildfires that take out huge areas of forest”.

The damage caused in these hotspots is also harmful for humanity, which relies on the oceans for oxygen, food, storm protection and the removal of climate-warming carbon dioxide the atmosphere, they say.

Global warming is gradually increasing the average temperature of the oceans, but the new research is the first systematic global analysis of ocean heatwaves, when temperatures reach extremes for five days or more.

The research found heatwaves are becoming more frequent, prolonged and severe, with the number of heatwave days tripling in the last couple of years studied. In the longer term, the number of heatwave days jumped by more than 50% in the 30 years to 2016, compared with the period of 1925 to 1954.

As heatwaves have increased, kelp forests, seagrass meadows and coral reefs have been lost. These foundation species are critical to life in the ocean. They provide shelter and food to many others, but have been hit on coasts from California to Australia to Spain.

Read more at https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/04/heatwaves-sweeping-oceans-like-wildfires-scientists-reveal

Author SuzannePosted on Categories Sustainable LivingTags , , ,

Sunscreen ingredient is toxic to coral reefs

Paul Pestano, ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP
New evidence shows that a sunscreen ingredient EWG has long urged people to avoid is damaging to coral reefs. A study published October 20 in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology found that even a tiny amount of oxybenzone, a common ingredient meant to block harmful ultraviolet radiation, can harm or kill corals by damaging the DNA in both mature and larval coral organisms.
Oxybenzone has also been shown to cause skin allergies in people and linked to hormone disruption based on animal studies. Despite these concerns, it is still widely used by sunscreen manufacturers. In EWG’s 2015 Guide to Sunscreens, about half the products on the market used this ingredient.
Another report published in the journal Environment International earlier this year highlighted the expected growth of coastal tourism. In light of this surge and the associated increase in sunscreen use, the new findings linking oxybenzone to coral degradation is even more disturbing.
With temperatures falling, we’re definitely not hitting the beach and slathering on sunscreen quite as much as a couple months ago, unless we’re heading south to warmer climates. However, oxybenzone is also in many daily-wear moisturizing products with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings. Whenever we take a shower or wash off these products, oxybenzone enters the wastewater stream and, ultimately, the oceans.
Given the potential environmental and health hazards associated with this ingredient (and many others used in personal care products), it’s important for consumers to read product labels carefully and avoid worrisome ingredients such as oxybenzone.
When you’re shopping for sun protection products, use EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens to find safer and more effective sunscreens and SPF moisturizers. Opt for products with mineral active ingredients, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and practice other sun-safety measures, such as staying in the shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours and wearing protective clothing.
Source: Sunscreen Ingredient is Toxic to Coral Reefs | EWG