Climate change is steadily warming ocean temperatures, and experts warned senators on Wednesday that this could cause significant damage to fisheries.
Andrea Dutton, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said burning fossil fuels primarily causes climate change, which can cause a wide range of economic and environmental problems.
Fossil fuels produce high levels of carbon dioxide, which can cause heat waves in the oceans and produce acidic seawater that is harmful to all living things in the ecosystem.
Rashid Sumaira, a professor at Killam College and research director at the University of British Columbia's Institute of Oceans and Fisheries, said fisheries catch about 120 million tonnes of fish annually and generate about $240 billion in global income. He said that
“Currently in the United States, the Chairman gave me some very similar numbers, commercial and recreational saltwater fishing alone generated more than $250 billion in revenue in 2020,” Sumaira said. . “So many dollars and contributions to America’s nation. [gross domestic product] That amount is estimated to be more than $110 billion annually, supporting 1.7 million American jobs in the maritime sector. It's a huge benefit for everyone. ”
Sumaila said if fish die or are forced to migrate due to climate change, important food sources and jobs will be lost.
Kyle Shafer works as a fishing guide in Maine and is the founder and owner of a fishing cabin in the Bahamas.
Schaefer told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday that rising ocean temperatures and severe weather, including hurricanes and heavy rains, are having a major impact on his business.
“My business is only successful because we have healthy thriving ecosystems and relatively predictable weather patterns,” Schaefer said. “Unfortunately, largely due to climate change, our oceans currently desperately lack the stability, balance and abundance on which we depend.”
Schaefer said local fish are having to compete with new species for limited resources, and many fish are moving to other areas, putting a strain on the ecosystem.
Schaefer explained that the Chesapeake Bay has had five consecutive failed spawning events for striped bass, which is a problem. That's because the fish are estimated to have an impact of $7.7 billion on the region's gross domestic product (GDP), the study says. Research from Southwick Associates.
Schaefer also told lawmakers that these fish are a prime example of the effects of climate change and that businesses may be forced to close if the situation doesn't improve.
“You can't run away from it,” Schaefer said. “I dream of one day passing on a healthy business to my son, who is almost 3 years old.I want to be proud of what I am able to do for future generations.''
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) spoke for Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who is recovering after being hospitalized with an infection. Johnson said the senator, who is the oldest member of the House, is well enough to vote, but not yet in executive position.
Prime Minister Johnson said he is not a climate change denier but disagrees with the extent of steps to be taken to prevent climate change.
“Instead of discussing the most pressing fiscal and ocean issues, Democrats have chosen to hold hearings on ocean warming to scare people about climate change,” Johnson said.
Chairman Sheldon Whitehouse (DR.I.) cited Deloitte research on the importance of making changes now to mitigate climate change to protect against larger economic impacts in the future. Explained gender.
“Deloitte predicts that the costs of inaction on climate change will be high. [to] If global GDP declines by $178 trillion and reaches net zero by 2050, global GDP will increase by $43 trillion, and whether this is true or not, there will be a change of $220 trillion. said the White House.
Mr Dutton said most of the current data estimating the impacts of climate change underestimated and it was vital that changes were made before critical thresholds were reached.
“The most important part of my message today is that humans are rapidly warming the planet. That's good news, but it also means that we are the solution to the problem.” said Dutton. “Our climate future is not completely set in stone.”
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