Climate Change and Its Effects on Aquatic Resources
In recent decades, the world has experienced a rise in global average air and ocean temperatures, as supported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC). The increase in temperature is a consequence of climate change, which has severe effects on water resources. Climate change influences aquatic resources through the changing weather patterns, which affects the availability of water. Furthermore, a rise in temperature causes glaciers in water bodies to melt, leading to floods and droughts. Therefore, despite numerous human activities that support life, there is a need for businesses to address the issue of climate change on aquatic resources as the impacts affect everyone and all sectors of society.
Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources
Climate change affects the overall aquatic cycle, which interferes with the supply and distribution and the quality of water. The water cycle is a mild steadiness of precipitation, evaporation, and other processes that occur in between. An increase in temperature intensifies the rate of evaporation of water into the atmosphere, which enhances the atmosphere’s ability to hold water (“Climate Change Impacts: Climate Impacts on Water Resources”). Consequently, a rise in evaporation may trigger drought in some areas and an increase in rainfall in other regions, causing floods. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as temperatures rise due to global warming, individuals, animals, and other living organisms require additional water to sustain their health and flourish (“Climate Change Impacts: Climate Impacts on Water Resources”). Other essential economic activities, such as energy production, livestock farming, and agriculture, also need water; therefore, the amount of water accessible for all these activities may decline as the earth warms. Increased rainfall also affects the quality of water; for instance, floods destroy water infrastructure, which causes sewer structures and water treatment plants to be overwhelmed by the rising volumes of water. Furthermore, heavy rainstorms increase the amount of run-off into aquatic bodies, rendering water unsafe to support life. Therefore, climate change has adverse impacts on water resources.
Socio-Economic Benefits of Activities that Lead to Aquatic Resource Problems
Deforestation creates more land for infrastructure development and agriculture. Moreover, tree products, such as wood and charcoal, provide a significant source of livelihood to several families. However, as supported by Archana, the cutting of trees triggers the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which leads to global warming (24). Moreover, due to the increased rates of evapotranspiration, the hydrological cycle is affected, which decreases the levels of precipitation. Deforestation also causes soil erosion, which is among the primary sources of siltation in water bodies, thus affecting the water quality.
Currently, the world’s economic strength significantly relies on industrialization, which also develops infrastructure for other forms of production and the creation of employment opportunities. As asserted by Mgbemene et al., despite the benefits of industrialization, it is the leading cause of emissions through exhaust discharges (304). Some discharges from industries are also directed to water bodies. In most urban centers, most rivers have been diverted to create room for industrial infrastructure, which is a prominent cause of floods. Therefore, industries have polluted water resources through direct discharges and acid rain, which rises the PH of aquatic bodies, rendering aquatic water unsafe.
Ecological Impacts on Aquatic Resources
Deforestation causes biodiversity destruction. Moreover, the effects of climate change as a result of greenhouse gas emissions have prompted the migration of aquatic animals due to changes in their natural habitat that no longer support their lives. Research conducted by Aloo et al. asserts that increased vegetation on water bodies, such as water hyacinth in Lake Victoria in Eastern Africa, has also led to the deaths of some aquatic organisms (478). High rates of floods have led to the damage of plant and animal life. Other effects, for instance, the sweeping of run-off on land and pollution from industries, have also led to the disruption and death of aquatic life.
Actions by Regulatory Agencies to Protect Aquatic Ecosystems
Government agencies have continually established several measures to conserve water resources. First, the instituting of bumper zones to monitor the growth of riparian zones has played a significant role in controlling water pollution. Moreover, guidelines, such as Polluters Pays Principle (PPP), which oblige the polluter to incur the cost of revitalizing the polluted aquatic resources, are essential in preventing future pollution of water (Khan 640). Environmental impact assessment and units have also regulated water contamination, particularly handling industries that pollute aquatic resources. Nonetheless, the conservation of aquatic resources calls for the cooperation of all community members.
Laws that Protect These Aquatic Ecosystems
Several laws have contributed to the conservation and preservation of water resources, as shown in the table below.
Law
Function
Sustainable Fisheries Act
Prevents overfishing by recommending the nature of fishing nets to be used in different waters.
Convention on Fishing and Conservation of Living Resources on the High Seas
Handles water conflicts and safeguards aquatic life.
Water Act
Provides guidelines on how aquatic resources can be conserved.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Safeguards aquatic resources from overuse
Overall, all sectors in the aquatic industry should strive to reduce the effects of climate change on water resources. Individuals should understand the collective responsibility to conserve water sources, which also touches on their survival. Although the issue of climate change and its impacts affects all people, individuals’ cooperation in assisting government agencies to enforce conservation of water resources laws is essential in controlling the problem. Governments should also ensure that set policies are practical and do not only exist in the paper. Additional funds should also be provided for environmental researchers to conduct current studies on water resources conservation topics. These efforts will play a significant role in reducing climate change and its effects on aquatic resources.