Ocean phytoplankton and algae produce 70-80% of the earths atmospheric oxygen. Why is tree conservation for oxygen so popular over ocean conservation then?
In: Biology
Just bring on Skynet at this point. At least we will know how all other life feels about us.
It’s not about oxygen, it’s about carbon sequestration.
Ocean fertilization for carbon storage is an area of current study.
Once the global temperature of the oceans warms up enough, and that won’t be long now, that algae will no longer be able to survive. In its place will be a type of algae which does not produce oxygen, but what would be considered a poisonous gas to most of the currently living species. Approximately 5% of currently existing tree species should be able to survive and continue producing oxygen, possibly enough for humans to continue living above ground.
Plankton are a boring symbol that isn’t really directly connected to anyone. You’re not going to make much money with that mascot.
It’s an easier sell. “Save the trees that you look at every day are pretty” vs “save the algae”
I always thought we pushed for tree conservation more so to protect the wildlife that lives in them than for preservation of oxygen.
How do we help our algae?
Because humans live above-water, and the impacts are less visible to the average person than wildfires, weird weather patterns, and a lack of “development” underwater in comparison to farming / housing above sea-level.
Only the trees you can see from major roads. Everything else gets cut down. It’s so you don’t have to do anything but look at the narrow band of trees around developed areas and feel like you are doing something
Tree conservation isn’t just about oxygen. It’s also habitat preservation especially for birds.
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