Rivers are rapidly warming, losing oxygen; aquatic life at risk, study finds
Rivers are rapidly warming, losing oxygen; aquatic life at risk, study finds EurekAlert
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Widespread Deoxygenation in Warming Rivers
Introduction
Rivers are warming and losing oxygen faster than oceans, according to a Penn State-led study published in the journal Nature Climate Change. The study reveals that 87% of nearly 800 rivers experienced warming, while 70% experienced oxygen loss.
Implications for Sustainable Development Goals
The findings of this study have significant implications for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14: Life Below Water. The projected low levels of oxygen in river systems could lead to acute death for certain fish species and threaten aquatic diversity. This poses a threat to the health of aquatic ecosystems worldwide, impacting not only the environment but also human livelihoods.
Methodology
The research team used artificial intelligence and deep learning approaches to reconstruct historically sparse water quality data from nearly 800 rivers in the United States and central Europe. By developing novel deep learning approaches, they were able to quantify temperature change and deoxygenation rates in rivers, providing a comprehensive understanding of water quality and ecosystem health.
Key Findings
- 87% of rivers have been getting warmer in the past four decades.
- 70% of rivers have been losing oxygen.
- Urban rivers demonstrated the most rapid warming.
- Agricultural rivers experienced the slowest warming but fastest deoxygenation.
- Future deoxygenation rates are projected to be between 1.6 and 2.5 times higher than historical rates.
Implications for Aquatic Life and Human Health
The study highlights the alarming rate at which rivers are losing oxygen, which could lead to dangerous conditions for aquatic life. The decline in oxygen levels also contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases and the release of toxic metals. Furthermore, the projected extinction of certain fish species due to low oxygen levels in rivers threatens aquatic diversity, which is essential for the survival of many species, including humans.
Conclusion
This study serves as a wake-up call to the global community, emphasizing the need to prioritize the conservation and restoration of river ecosystems. Rivers, often overlooked in climate change discussions, play a crucial role in understanding our changing climate. Addressing the challenges posed by warming rivers and deoxygenation is essential for achieving SDG 14 and ensuring the sustainability of our planet.
Journal
Nature Climate Change
Method of Research
Computational simulation/modeling
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Widespread deoxygenation in warming rivers
Article Publication Date
14-Sep-2023
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to these SDGs because they involve the impact of river warming and deoxygenation on water quality, aquatic life, and ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
These targets are relevant because they address the need to improve water quality, reduce pollution, strengthen resilience to climate-related hazards, prevent marine pollution, and ensure the conservation and sustainable use of freshwater ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Water temperature change in rivers
- Dissolved oxygen levels in rivers
- Future deoxygenation rates in rivers
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by assessing the changes in water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and deoxygenation rates in rivers over time.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. | – Water temperature change in rivers – Dissolved oxygen levels in rivers – Future deoxygenation rates in rivers |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | – Water temperature change in rivers – Dissolved oxygen levels in rivers – Future deoxygenation rates in rivers |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | – Water temperature change in rivers – Dissolved oxygen levels in rivers – Future deoxygenation rates in rivers |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Water temperature change in rivers – Dissolved oxygen levels in rivers – Future deoxygenation rates in rivers |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: eurekalert.org
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