Global Scholar's Blog 2022-2023
PHOTOGRAPH BY: PAULO OLIVEIRA/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO Hermit crabs are anomuran decapod crustacenas that have adapted to protect their fragile exoskeletons into seashells. Similar to many species native to the ocean, hermit crabs are negatively affected by microplastics that leech from human trash. However, unlike other species, hermit crabs don't injest these microplastics, but rather absorb the materials emitted from them. In a study conducted by Faunalytics, Researchers gave the hermit crabs a shell that weighed only half as much as hermit crabs prefer. Once they were acclimated to the 50% shell, researchers offered them a choice between two shells, one that weighed as much as they prefer and one that weighed only a quarter of what they prefer. The researchers put each shell in a vial. The results were alarming. The study indicated that microplastic exposure negatively impacted the cognitive decision-making abilities of hermit crabs, leading to suboptimal shell selection. However, more recently, scientists discovered that hermit crabs have been using human trash into homes. Researchers said that plastic waste is the “most pervasive element” of marine pollution and, as a result, widely available to hermit crabs. Additionally, plastic homes weigh less than natural shells, have a different smell, “may be attractive for females” and “may act as efficient camouflage in polluted environments.”
Hermit crabs are not the only species experiencing challenges from plastic pollution. Fish, for example, are dying in unprecedented numbers for mistakenly ingesting microplastics. While this niche example of hermit crabs may seem small-scale, the consequences of not addressing it will prove detrimental. While the long-term affects of plastic debris on marine life is unknown, we do know that ocean biodiversity will significantly decline and humans will continue to injest microplastics from food. Sources:
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Barrell: 9 September 2022 The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050. These deaths are projected to be associated with factors such as malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. So, why is climate change being overlooked? According to the PEW Research Center, a non-partisan American think tank, extreme weather is seen as a part of life and not happening more often. Many interviewees said that extreme weather events are natural occurrences and did not draw a connection between their intensity or frequency and climate change. To ensure a liveable climate for future generations, the first step to approaching climate change is through international collaboration. As demonstrated in our class climate simulation, each party has its own political agenda fitted to their country’s best interest; however, international agreements and partnerships to regulate emission levels for top greenhouse gas producers must be at the forefront.
It is imperative for the United Nations to set harsh emission restrictions on countries like China and the United States, which collectively emit over 18.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Additionally, the United Nations should reprimand top carbon emitters by holding ethical trials to determine the cost that the country owes in damages. For example, Tuvalu, an independent island nation in Oceania, is projected to be fully underwater by 2100 due to rising sea levels. However, Tuvalu has contributed virtually no greenhouse gas emissions to threaten the future of its country. It is the countries that produce the least carbon emissions that pay the most. By sharing technological resources with underdeveloped countries, a more equitable future will promote sustainable practices and plenty of job opportunities. I believe that carbon taxing will incentivize businesses and corporations to reduce their carbon footprint. Though mandatory regulations may cause arguments from countries like China, which have an economy dependent on manufacturing, reduced carbon emissions will pay off in the long run. Sources:
PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo Following a gruesome attack in November where a man stabbed three children and a teacher, outrage sparked in Ireland with many calling for the obliteration of all immigrants. A rumor that the assailant was an immigrant (never confirmed by police) created xenophobic rhetoric on social media prompting far-right fanatics to take action in the streets. Extreme messages even called for people to "Kill any foreigner in sight". In December, a rise in racism and street crime raised questions about safety for immigrants. According to El País, a Spanish Newspaper, "some groups of protesters attempted to hunt down refugees sleeping in accommodations across Ireland. There are about 73,000 currently in the country, with more than 50,000 from Ukraine. The doors and windows of the Dublin City Dorms (a residential building) were covered with wooden panels: no immigrant had slept there for months, but the assailants tried to enter the building." Additionally, rioting in the streets directly hit businesses with many store owners observing the damages to their own properties. Police cars, vehicles, and tram cars erupted in flames prompted heavy police presence. The Irish Government claims that the riots have been the worst in the country since 2006.
Xenophobia has been prevalent in Ireland from far right politicians and worsened since the arrival of Ukrainian refugees around 2 years ago; however, social media has played a critical role in giving a platform to extremists. Another major reason for the increase in anti-immigration sentiments point to housing insecurity and lack of public services. Far right groups condemned immigrants for "taking housing away from the Irish" when in reality, the 5 million Irish population is the majority to the 150,000 immigrant population. The rise in xenophobic attacks led to an asylum hostel being torched on December 18th causing fear in the immigrant community. One asylum seeker from Nigeria, Promise Enofe, admitted his fear after the attacks and rioting in the streets. He also explained that the increase in anti-immigration hate online gave him constant anxiety. However, the heavy police presence gave Enofe some peace of mind for the time being. Overall, the concern for immigrant safety in Ireland has pressured the Irish government to toughen laws against hate crimes and continue to provide police when necessary. Sources:
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May 2024
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