Ocean deterioration
Benefits for humans | Cost to the environment | Options to eliminate negatives |
Climate Regulation: Ocean dynamics strongly affect climate and weather patterns, transferring heat from the equator to the poles and moderating carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. | | Ocean Thermal Energy ConversionA process called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) uses the heat energy stored in the Earth's oceans to generate electricity. |
Food: Seafood is a major food staple and protein source. Per capita consumption of seafood is increasing around the globe. | Marine pollution occurs when harmful, or potentially harmful effects, can result from the entry into the ocean of chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms. Most sources of marine pollution are land based. The pollution often comes from nonpoint sources such as agricultural runoff and wind blown debris. | Some energy experts believe that if it could become cost-competitive with conventional power technologies, OTEC could produce billions of watts of electrical power. |
Economy: Ocean-related industry provides revenue through fishing, seafood distribution, tourism, recreation and transportation. Seafood has become one of the most exported items in the global market today | Marine pollution occurs when harmful, or potentially harmful effects, can result from the entry into the ocean of chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms Most sources of marine pollution are land based. | OTEC works best when the temperature difference between the warmer, top layer of the ocean and the colder, deep ocean water is about 20°C (36°F). |
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If there is oil there will be too much phytoplankton.