Introduction
In recent years, the environment and nature are undergoing major changes, suffering from people’s indifference and abusiveness toward the Earth. In fact, flora and fauna are in great danger in many regions. Some animal species are threatened by extinction, the fish population is reducing every day, and even water level changes in rivers and other reservoirs, flooding crop fields and people’s houses. As the purpose of this paper is to understand the economic and ecological impact of habitat loss on Micronesia’s island, one should note what happened to the islanders’ lives and the land itself in the following paragraphs.
Main body
The video structure permits tracking the apparent aftermaths one by one. First, one speaker provides information about fishing and how it used to be fifteen years ago. His statement represents the pity concerning the fish population decrease in the sea. He mentions that “you got 2-3 hundred pounds of fish” because it is supposed to be in a tropical marine climate (Musburger, 2011). Second, the next person clarifies that previously the water was transparent and clean, whereas now it is red or brown, and “there is a lot of mud washing out” (Musburger, 2011). It means that the soil is eroded, it is not fecund anymore; consequently, the islanders will have to relocate to the mountains soon. Moreover, the whole island near Micronesia has drowned, so the area is tightening, and it is not profitable in any way.
As it was stated in the video, Red Book species, such as rare birds, corals, and plants are dying and may never be found anywhere else. It is a perfect example of a biodiversity hotspot since, in particular, it is the place where two criteria meet. The first necessary condition is containing over 1,500 endemic species of vascular plants, as they exist only there, and the second condition is having 30% of the remaining native vegetation.
In general, the main cause of losses is global warming, which consists of many factors. For instance, greenhouse gases’ concentration in the atmosphere is above the standard nowadays.
Moreover, industrial cities have factories and numerous cars, which are burning fossil fuels. Besides, deforestation and farming may lead to a lack of air, and humanity will have nothing to breathe and nothing to eat. As a result, it becomes clear that Micronesia is definitely one of the biodiversity hotspots that need to be preserved.
Next, it is essential to describe at least one of the native species under threat due to habitat loss. The Chuuk flying fox is a critically endangered mammal, and its atoll is located only 3-5 meters above sea level. Although Micronesians reportedly scorn The Chuuk flying fox as food because locals view them as common rats, a meat trade in this species is not popular. However, cats, rats, and mangrove monitors are dangerous for them, so, if they disappear, the life balance will be ruined.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to underline that the information from the video was thoroughly analyzed. Thus, when fish stocks are declining, beautiful corals lose their colors, and strange weather patterns persist in Micronesia more frequently than in the past, it means that one should bring attention to this issue. In order to prevent disastrous consequences, it is necessary to be aware of the changes’ main reasons that were stated above.
Reference
Musburger C. (2011). Micronesia’s changing climate [Film]. HD Under H20.