Wang_eric Climate Change

Algae Blooms and Climate Change In Florida

How has Climate Change affected Florida

Studies have shown that climate change has played a part in increasing the range and frequency of Algae Blooms. As well as that there is a connection between heat waves and algae blooms.

An Algae bloom is when a species of microrganisms, rapidly repoduces learning to it dominating a certain area. Algal Blooms can cause damage because they can block sunlight from other plants, absorb all of the oxygen in an area, or by producing biotoxins. Algae Blooms result in great harm to marine life. Algae Blooms also cause economic damage as they hurt tourism, fishing, and cause health issues.

Algal blooms have long been a problem with Florida. However climate change have evaserbated the issue.

What is being done?

The US government has passed legistlation to address Algae Blooms. For example the in 2003 the US government passed the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act, which would fund and support research and find solutions regarding the issue.

Algae blooms occur globally all over the world especially around warmer areas. The amount of algae blooms are doubling every 2.5 years.

What effects does it have globally?

Lake Erie is encounering similar issues with algae blooms, due to large amounts of agricultural runoff. This causing a lot of damages to the local tourism industry as well as leaving many people without clean drinking water.

Where else in the world is experiencing a similar form of climate change?

How does this affect the region around it?

Works Cited

• Gobler, Christopher J. “Climate Change and Harmful Algal Blooms: Insights and Perspective.” Harmful Algae, Elsevier, 25 Dec. 2019, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568988319302045.
• Hallegraeff, Gustaaf, et al. “Manual on Harmful Marine Microalgae.” Monographs on Oceanographic Methodology , vol. 11, 2003, https://doi.org/10.1071/9781486318001.
• Larkin, S. L., & Adams, C. M. (2007). Harmful Algal Blooms and Coastal Business: Economic Consequences in Florida. Society & Natural Resources, 20(9), 849–859. https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920601171683
• McCain. “Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2003 : Report of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on S. 247.” HathiTrust, 26 Aug. 2003, babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=pur1.32754077080004&seq=4.