A new environmental disaster called “Ocean Acidization” has reached dimensions that can threaten humanity. Ocean acidification is defined as “a process approaching the unacceptable limit within the framework of the planetary border”. The latest reports show that by 2020, the average global ocean conditions have already passed the limit of ocean acidization. The latest study supported by the European Space Agency has striking results. Accordingly, the danger, the Atlantic Ocean and the Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira, Cabo Verde and Selvagens Islands are stated to be in the region, while these islands are known for their high endemism rates and unique biological features. According to the analyzes carried out within the scope of Oceansoda project, the global surface ocean pH level decreased by 18 percent between 1982 and 2022; This reveals that sea water is becoming increasingly acidic. In the period of 1985-2018, the trend of acidification increased continuously and this situation, especially for species such as limestone -crusted sea creatures and corals, causing vital carbonate ions to fall below critical levels.
Ecosystems were affected
In the study, the following is recorded: “In the last 50 years, the disappearance rates of plant species in this region are above the global average. Researchers have determined that 126 taxes have disappeared in Hungariansia since Linnaeus’s” Species Plantarum “. The main causes of extinction include the age of the islands, altitude, otochul mammals and human population size.. Especially the socioeconomic changes experienced since the 1960s created a ‘extinction warm point’ in the coastal areas. This shows how much ecosystems on the islands are affected by human activities. ”
EMERGENCY MEASURE
The research revealed that with the analyzes on the plant flora on the Azores and Canary Islands, the features such as endemicism, pollination by vertebrates, nitrogen binding capacity, woody and seed spread by animals increased the risk of extinction. These biological features determine the sensitivity of plant species to environmental changes. These findings emphasize that urgent measures should be taken to protect the biological diversity on the ocean islands.
Human Activities
The unique ecosystems of the islands are important not only local, but also on the global level. Therefore, the life history characteristics of the plant species on the islands are critical to better understanding and correctly predicting and preventing future extinction risks. Researchers say that comprehensive biological evaluations should be made for the protection of biological diversity in the islands. These assessments will form the basis for the sustainability of the ecosystems on the islands and the continuation of biological diversity. In addition, policies need to be developed and implemented in order to reduce the impact of human activities on ecosystems on the islands.
Unique Systems
In the conclusion part of the report “The high rate of extinction of plant species in the Hungariansia region reveals the fragility of the ecosystems on the islands.. This is a warning for the protection of biological diversity not only in regional, but also on global levels. The protection of unique ecosystems on the islands is vital to ensure the continuation of biological diversity for future generations ”.
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