State of the Oceans — Log 81
YOUR WEEKLY BRIEFING FROM PARLEY
PLASTIC POLLUTION
In the Tyrrhenian Sea, scientists have discovered the highest level of deep sea microplastics yet. Every year, 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans, and scientists believe that 99% of that waste sinks to the seabed. Now, this new study - which compared seabed samples to models of ocean currents - shows exactly where and how plastic accumulates. Along the ocean floor, plastics collect in hot spots, which are often formed by underwater avalanches. In just one square meter of seabed, the team counted 1.9 million pieces of microplastic.
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WHALES
The coronavirus has halted a lot of ship traffic, reducing noise pollution and giving scientists a unique chance to study whales in “audio-pristine” habitats. Whales call less when boat activity increases, so researchers now expect to hear richer, more complex conversations. Off the coast of Vancouver – where the Alaskan cruise season would normally be starting around now – ocean noise levels have dropped by 15% since January. For the first time, a generation of humpback whales will be able to communicate in peaceful waters. And with respect to people, one scientist said, “We have an opportunity to listen that will not appear again in our lifetime.”
CLIMATE CHANGE
A groundbreaking report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) says that COVID-19 could cause the permanent collapse of fossil fuels, greatly reducing the greenhouse gas emissions behind climate change. Globally, the energy industry has not experienced a shock like this pandemic since WWII. The current drop in energy demand is seven greater than the one experienced during the 2008 financial crisis. And while fossil fuels fail, renewables are expected to supply 30% of the world’s electricity by the end of 2020. In the words of IEA’s executive director, “The plunge in demand for nearly all major fuels is staggering, especially for coal, oil and gas. Only renewables are holding up during the previously unheard of slump.”
OVERFISHING
A team of historians, environmental scientists, and marine ecologists have published a new study on historical examples of fisheries management. The hope is that understanding these case studies – which range from lagoon regulations in Renaissance Venice to Japan’s ancient seaweeds farms – will lead to more informed approaches to modern resource challenges. Along with “recipes for disaster,” the team found many examples of “blue growth” where past societies enjoyed sustained and equitable benefits from the sea. As one author said, “We often assume our problems are new, but a look at the past shows societies have faced similar issues before.”
INNOVATION
With fossil fuels on the brink, the world has a historic opportunity to complete the renewable revolution in the wake of the pandemic. In addition to promoting energy efficiency and the expansion of proven renewables, the same report calls on governments to support promising technologies. Better lithium ion batteries, for example, could help solar and wind overcome key energy storage hurdles while hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to replace traditional internal combustion engines – making transportation a zero-emission industry. Such clean energy innovations must be matched by a global commitment to end all fossil fuel extraction for good. The way we restart the global economy will determine our future – one way or the other.
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