Project One SCI MOD 7

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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Geography

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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1 Project One Angie Freeland Southern New Hampshire University Perspectives in Natural Science SCI-100-2038 Dr. Sanders December 10, 2023

2 Project One My chosen news report was published by the United Nations University titled “Report warns about risk tipping points with irreversible impacts on people and planet” and delivers an unequivocal warning about the risk of approaching tipping points that could bring irreversible consequences to both humanity and the planet. Tipping points refer to critical thresholds beyond which abrupt and irreversible changes can occur within the Earth's systems. The report places great emphasis on the urgent need to address these tipping points, as they could result in severe consequences such as the collapse of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and disruptions to vital ecosystem services. For instance, the melting of polar ice caps and the subsequent rise in sea levels could have disastrous consequences for coastal communities and low-lying areas across the globe. Additionally, the destruction of natural habitats and deforestation could have devastating effects on wildlife populations, while disturbing the delicate balance of ecosystems. Once these tipping points are surpassed, the damage inflicted on ecosystems and human societies may indeed be irreversible. This report underscores the utmost importance of immediate action to mitigate climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enforce measures to safeguard and restore ecosystems. Failure to take these actions could result in a future characterized by extensive environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to human populations. This report must be perceived as a wake-up call by governments, businesses, and individuals alike, leading to diligent collaboration in addressing the pressing environmental challenges that we face (United Nations University, 2023). Scientific Approach One of the scientific approaches that scientists use to research tipping points is experimental research design. This approach is commonly employed in scientific studies to

3 establish cause–effect relationships between variables. In the context of researching tipping points that will have irreversible impacts on the planet and people, experimental research designs can be utilized in many ways. One method is to identify the specific tipping point they want to investigate, such as the threshold temperature at which a particular ecosystem collapses. They would then design an experiment to manipulate and measure the variables involved to establish a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, let us consider a study of the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs. The scientists might set up controlled aquariums with different levels of acidity to simulate varying degrees of ocean acidification. They would carefully monitor and measure the health and growth of coral reefs exposed to different acidity levels over a specific period. By manipulating the acidity levels and closely monitoring the coral reefs' responses, scientists can establish a cause-and-effect relationship between ocean acidification and the irreversible damage to coral reefs. This experimental research design allows them to determine the tipping point at which the acidity level becomes detrimental to the survival of coral reefs. Through this approach, scientists can gather empirical evidence to support their hypotheses and draw conclusions about the tipping points that have irreversible impacts on the planet and people. The experimental research design provides a systematic and controlled method for investigating the cause-and-effect relationships underlying these tipping points, contributing to our understanding of the complex interactions between variables and their consequences. Research Topic My research focuses on the measurable effects of ocean acidification on marine life, specifically coral reefs, and how this contributes to risk tipping points for irreversible impacts on

4 the planet. Ocean acidification is a pressing issue that has detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and communities that rely on them. According to Doney et al. (2020), ocean acidification refers to the ongoing decrease in the pH levels of the Earth's oceans due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process has significant consequences for marine organisms and the intricate web of life that depends on them. The increase in acidity disrupts the growth and development of various organisms such as corals, shellfish, and plankton, which are essential components of marine food chains (Doney et al., 2020, pp. 83–112). . Ocean acidification, a result of the increased absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans, has developed into a disconcerting concern for scientists and environmentalists alike. As carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, a chemical reaction occurs, which triggers a decline in pH levels. This decline in pH results in a disruptive shift within marine ecosystems, particularly affecting coral reefs (Gibson et al., 2011). The discernible effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs have become apparent through the degradation of their health and biodiversity. Coral reefs serve as havens for numerous marine species and contribute to the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystem. However, as the intensity of ocean acidification increases, the equilibrium of coral reef ecosystems is discarded, resulting in the loss of habitats and food sources for various marine organisms. The degradation of coral reefs not only impairs the survival of countless species but also amplifies the risk of reaching tipping points that could have irrevocable consequences for our planet. The decline in coral health and biodiversity can result in a chain reaction throughout the marine ecosystem, ultimately impacting the well-being of ocean-dependent human populations

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