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Ocean Phytoplankton

It looks like climate scientists may need to sharpen their pencils and start over again to determine the projected pace of global warming. A key factor in how much carbon gets absorbed – ocean plankton – now appears to be doing less of a good job removing these harmful emissions from the air.

In other words, global warming could accelerate even faster than scientists predicted.

Here’s what’s wrong: Phytoplankton (tiny ocean plants) play a major role in the Earth’s carbon cycle because they are needed for about half of the planet’s photosynthesis (during which they absorb carbon). But, they are absorbing about 4 percent less carbon dioxide than initially thought, because they now get less iron, which they need to grow. Researchers aren’t positive why they are getting less iron, but believe it may be caused by altered wind patterns that have reduced the amount of dust being blown into the ocean from the desert. Dust is a major source of iron.

A recent study by researchers at Oregon State University has helped to identify where plankton are being stressed by a lack of iron. They have identified three large areas of the Pacific Ocean where plankton appear to be suffering: around Antarctica; just below Alaska; and in the tropical Pacific near the equator.

Scientists are exploring ways to introduce iron to make up for this deficiency but say it’s not as easy as it sounds. Adding iron not only helps the plankton grow, it also feeds the ocean life that eats plankton.

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To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to: www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org, or www.healthandenvironment.org