Climate change is a global phenomenon and the Galapagos Islands are among the affected regions. The climate strongly influences the various ecosystems in the Galapagos Islands and numerous studies suggest that climate change could potentially lead to more negative impacts on the area in the next few years. The likely effects of climate change are discussed as well as the water management strategies to prevent water scarcity in future.
Increase in the global average temperatures is expected to increase by 2-4 degrees Celsius. Given that the Galapagos Islands are closer to the equator, the temperature in the regions is likely to rise by the global average. This implies that the water surrounding the Island will also get warmer due to a higher sea surface temperature. As a result, the marine species in the seas will be significantly affected. Also, the warming temperatures will increase the level of rainfall the island receives (Wingfield, et.al, 2017). So, the island is likely to experience more El Nino rains. Increased ocean surface temperature could result in reduced flow of water that is essential for the wildlife in the Islands .
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Ocean acidification is another likely impact on the island due to the changes in climate. Increased rainfall matched with higher temperatures could make the living conditions for the existing species difficult or even lead to the introduction of other persistent species that might disrupt the ecosystem. The consequence will be the loss of biodiversity in the Galapagos Islands (Keith, et al, 2016). There is also the possibility of an increase in sea level which will ultimately reduce the areas of beaches used by the nesting species such as the penguins and turtles .
Climate change is likely to decrease the potable water sources in the island. Most of the water sources in the island are natural springs which might go dry or be blocked. So, there will be a reduction in the amount of potable water produced by the islands. The likely impact is unsustainable, water for a large number of people living on the island.
Climate change is likely to affect the tourism industry in the Galapagos Islands. For instance, the number of tourists is likely to decrease given that most of the tourist attractions such as the marine and plants will be no longer available (Trathan, et al,2015).Most of the people in the island depend on tourism as a source of living. The Galapagos Conservation Park, for instance, is a significant employer for the residents who work as guards. Other people work as tour guides, souvenir vendors, boat operators and hotel owners. This means that the levels of business will decrease thus affecting the islands’ economy. Moreover, this will also result in unemployment which will, in turn, result in poverty among the residents.
To conserve water and manage non-point source pollution in the Galapagos Islands, the local government in the region can employ the following strategies to prevent water scarcity. The first approach involves upgrading and monitoring the maintenance methods of the already installed septic tanks. By doing so, the authority will make sure that water is managed in the best ways possible ( Reyes, et al, 2017). The second strategy is to construct a wastewater treatment plant on the island. The island has a lot of dirty water which can be useful once refined. Although it is an expensive venture, having enough water treatment plants have extended cost benefits for the Island. More water will be in storage and will be helpful for the residents. Still, the local government may implement water and sludge reuse through activities like farming and irrigation. Recycling water and using it for these actions instead of using fresh water will ensure that more clean water meant for other services like drinking or cooking is stored and used explicitly for the said purposes.
The green urban design cab is used on the island to ensure that it is protected from the sun or soil erosion during the rainy season. For example, the authorities can demand that all residents plant trees or organic plants in the buildings. The California Academy of sciences is an example of a green design technique.
Hotels, resorts, and other lodging facilities are part of the tourism sector which can be used to conserve water. Some of the policies to this effect include the following : To always check for water leaks throughout the main water lines; ensure that showers, toilet flushes, and aerators are water efficient; not to do laundry daily unless a customer requests so; always harvest rainwater and use it for washing and general cleaning; efficient water use in the kitchen and other systems; employ the use of foot-pedal valves in kitchens to avoid water wastage ( Pizzitutti,et al,2017). The policies I would recommend to minimise the effects of climate change include: introducing a linen and towel reuse programme; use flow diverters and toilet dams; and maintain daily meter meetings.
Climate change has already led to adverse effects, and more damage is still expected. The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s extinct ecosystems on the verge of extinction due to climate changes. Ocean acidification, El Nino rains, increased temperatures and high sea levels are some of the expected changes which are likely to affect the different species cohabiting in the island. Furthermore, the potable water systems and tourism are likely to be affected. Various measures need to be implemented to reduce the effects or adapt to climate change in the region.
References
Keith, I., Dawson, T. P., Collins, K. J., & Campbell, M. L. (2016). Marine invasive species: establishing pathways, their presence and potential threats in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Pacific Conservation Biology , 22 (4), 377-385.
Pizzitutti, F., Walsh, S. J., Rindfuss, R. R., Gunter, R., Quiroga, D., Tippett, R., & Mena, C. F. (2017). Scenario planning for tourism management: a participatory and system dynamics model applied to the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. Journal of Sustainable Tourism , 25 (8), 1117-1137.
Reyes, M. F., Trifunović, N., Sharma, S., Behzadian, K., Kapelan, Z., & Kennedy, M. D. (2017). Mitigation options for future water scarcity: a case study in Santa Cruz Island (Galapagos Archipelago). Water , 9 (8), 597.
Trathan, P. N., García‐Borboroglu, P., Boersma, D., Bost, C. A., Crawford, R. J., Crossin, G. T., ... & Ellenberg, U. (2015). Pollution, habitat loss, fishing, and climate change as critical threats to penguins. Conservation Biology , 29 (1), 31-41.
Wingfield, J. C., Hau, M., Boersma, P. D., Romero, L. M., Hillgarth, N., Ramenofsky, M., ... & Wikelski, M. (2017). Effects of El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation Events on the Adrenocortical Responses to Stress in Birds of the Galapagos Islands: General and Comparative Endocrinology .
