How Natural Disasters Impact Ecosystems
Humans rely on perfectly balanced ecological systems to survive and thrive. This is achieved through the established natural cycles, the existence of floras and animal species, and the availability of habitable regions.
However, our natural environment takes a significant beating from climate change and its amplifying effects on natural disasters.
Hurricanes hurt natural ecosystems by significantly disturbing seaside faunas and mammal territory. Torrents of water flood industrial sites carrying hazardous pollutants to natural bodies of water, poisoning rivers and oceans.
Let us consider some of the well-known disasters of the 21st century and their impact on wildlife and the environment.
Our natural environment takes a significant beating from climate change and its amplifying effects on natural disasters.
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
The magnitude 9.0 earthquake that shook northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, resulted in extensive damage on land and induced a series of large tsunami waves that destroyed many coastal areas.
The tsunamis ravaged small islands throughout the Pacific where many nesting shorebirds can be found. The raging water killed more than 110,000 Laysan Albatross chicks along with an approximated two thousand adults living in the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Moreover, thousands of Bonin petrels were buried alive, and thousands of fish were brought to shore and were unable to get back to the ocean.
Additionally, according to a 2015 study, 6,600 metric tons of chemicals that contribute to global warming and ozone depletion were released into the atmosphere when buildings were destroyed during the earthquake. These gases were contained in insulation, appliances, and other equipment.
The Australian Bushfires
In November 2019, New South Wales, Australia, experienced an unprecedented outbreak of bushfires. The fires quickly crossed all six states and burned an area about the size of South Korea, roughly 25.5 million acres.
The wildfire damaged or destroyed around 3,000 homes displacing many people who were forced to shelter on nearby beaches. When burning, a large number of materials and biological matter produced smoke that contributed to the worst pollution ever seen, with air quality gauging 23 times more dangerous than what is considered “hazardous.” The University of Sydney estimated that more than 1 billion mammals, birds, and reptiles were likely killed by the blazing fire.
The increasing duration and intensity of natural disasters are truly a cause of concern that threatens the very stability of the natural environment which is essential for the prolonged existence of every species living on our planet.
References:
What Are the Negative Effects of Natural Disasters? (sciencing.com)
After the Storm: The Environmental Impacts of Natural Disasters | SWCA
Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011 | Facts & Death Toll | Britannica
Deadly Japan quake and tsunami spurred global warming, ozone loss (agu.org)
What you need to know about the Australia bushfires — The Verge
