Global Warming and Wetland Destruction
By Diane Sangalang
30 May 2008
For many years my family and I have lived in Florida. My parents taught me how to appreciate and learn from my surroundings. That each creature has it's place and we must learn to respect the wildlife. After all we are invading their homes. In the last decade the Central Florida area has had such a massive increase in human population that the wildlife have been severely displaced. Such places as the Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge provide a home for these creatures.
This year's severe droughts caused major destruction to the wetland enviroment. Sudden drops in water levels caused thousands of fish to be trapped in tide pools where they eventually died. Many species of birds were forced to relocate due to the decrease in water and therefore decrease in the amounts of food. Larger creatures such as alligators, wild hogs, deer, bobcats, foxes, Florida panthers and many many others are struggling to survive.
Where once beautiful marsh lands and tide pools existed, now resembles a deserted wasteland. The earth is dried, cracked and barren. The only signs of life are the few tracks left behind from the animals scavengering. A very depressing site after seeing dolphins frolicing in the same area only a few short months ago.
With the increase in forest fires spreading across the area these treasured refuge areas are at high risk. It's hard to believe that even though drought is a natural occurence, that human interaction can actually help to decrease the effects of this natural disaster. I encourage each and every one of us to look into global warming and see if there are just a few changes that you and your family can make to help decrease global warming. Although my observation is only a small example of the devastation, the big picture is one that will eventually effect us all.
