How to Monitor the Ecosystems

Monitoring the world's ecosystems takes the efforts of many people and organizations.

Monitoring the ecosystems is a complex task that takes the efforts of many people and organizations, especially if the goal is to uncover effects and changes that occur over long periods of time. It is difficult to calculate the accumulated effects that things such as pollution, habitat destruction, and global warming have over the long haul, and so global cooperation is necessary in order to manage the variety and amount of data needed to understand the health and future of our ecosystems.

Instructions

1. Air quality is a major factor in the contribution of damage to the Earth's ecosystems. Monitoring air quality entails investigations into the effects of air pollution and climate change. Measuring pollutants in the air, documenting diseases in local species, and monitoring changes in climate allow scientists to view the health of an ecosystem in a particular geographical area. The Lamont Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Observation Project provides the public, government, and researchers with data on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The project consists of a network of atmospheric carbon dioxide monitoring stations that assist in deciphering information on changes in climate and ecosystems.

2. Water quality is another major factor in the overall health of an ecosystem and its inhabitants. In order to gain information on the health of oceans, lakes, and rivers, scientists must continually gather data on levels of pollutants and bacteria. Information about diseases in plant and animal life must also be gathered, as well as population numbers of particular species. Also important is the annual study of water levels in areas due to concerns like rising sea levels and disappearing estuaries. The Southwest Fisheries Science Center gathers data in the U.S. regarding the effects of governmental operations and the fishing industry on the environment. The organization gathers data in order to help solve issues of "climate and environmental variability...that are important to fish populations, protected species, and marine ecosystems."

3. Monitoring the health of forests, deserts, mountains, and all other land regions is a monumental task that takes the efforts of many conservation and scientific groups to gather the data required to advance the knowledge of our ecosystems and how to preserve them. Taking samples and acquiring data from surrounding soil, plant, and animal life help our understanding of their survival. Studying land erosion in certain areas helps to solve issues of over-farming, over-development, and habitat loss. The Amazonian Family Forestry Program at the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation is helping "to reverse deforestation and increase forest cover...by promoting profitable and sustainable forest production."

Tips & Warnings

• Join a local conservation group and take part in helping to monitor and preserve our ecosystems.

References

• "U.S. Geological Survey": Priority Ecosystems Science.
• "The Earth Institute Columbia University": Mission.
• "The Earth Institute Columbia University": Ecosystems Health and Monitoring, Featured Projects.
• "Southwest Fisheries Science Center": Environmental Research Division.