Global Warming Affects Sea Turtles

To add to the list of effects of global warming, the amount of sea turtles are declining. Just a few short years ago, Leatherback Sea Turtle National Park in Costa Rica used to be a popular tourist location filled with thousands of sea turtles. Now, they are facing extinction. This decline is traced back to warmer temperatures, rising seas and violent storm surges all produced by the phenomenon of global warming. Unlike some marine life, Leatherback sea turtles are directly affected by this change. As the water temperatures rise, the coral reefs are dying which a huge source of food for these turtles. Plus, they lay their eggs on beaches, continuously being harmed by the rising seas and storms. And most drastically, because their egg's genders are determined by temperature during development, an all-female population can be a result.

These sea turtles depend on temperature to produce male turtles and repeat the cycle of reproduction. However, if the sand around the eggs reaches 30 degrees Celsius, their gender turns female. To help this problem, scientists are trying to cool nests with shade and irrigation and protect all areas with eggs. A recent experiment has been conducted where a turtle's eggs were collected and shaded until hatched. Then, they will be released into the water again. But, even finding places to protect these eggs will be a challenge as Costa Rica's Pacific Coast has been industrialized. The coast has been filled with restaurants, hotels, trees and homes which interferes with the egg hatching.


Without a doubt, this shows how much we have affected the environment. Because of our role in global warming, sea turtles and other animals are facing extinction. I know many people who greatly care for animals, like Rachel Martinez, who would find this completely unfair. And, we are completely to blame. Fortunately, our generation is trying to help our planet and becoming "green." We are definitely stepping in the right direction but have a long way to go.

Rosenthal, Elisabeth. (2009, November 14) Turtles Are Casualties of Warming in Costa Rica. The New York Times. Retrived from http://www.nytimes.com