Unfortunately, there is a misconception that wetlands are wastelands, despite their value to our environment, society and economy. Our wetlands are threatened by numerous activities.
Global Warming
Global warming has the potential to alter the structure and function of our wetlands. Sea level rise threatens to inundate many coastal wetlands, with little room to move inland because of coastal development. Warmer water from global warming will alter the species composition and contribute to worsening dead zones and harmful algal blooms, increased incidence of marine diseases, and expansion of harmful invasive species. Floods, droughts and other extreme weather events will alter water flows, leading to more polluted runoff and lower water quality.
Drainage
Drainage is carried out on wetlands …show more content…
Wetlands are especially vulnerable to invasive species because of their position as acetones or interfaces between land and water environments that makes them susceptible to invasion from both. Wetlands can also act as pathways for invasive species to travel from different habitat types. Examples of wetland invasive species in Ireland include zebra mussels, American mink, Canadian waterweed, Japanese knotweed, giant rhubarb and giant hogweed.
Pollution
Pollution poisons the environment, it can kill wildlife and cause illness. Pollution can be caused by: sewage entering rivers, run-off from roads, agriculture and industrial sites, illegal dumping, pouring chemical waste down drains.
Litter
Litter is unsightly and can injure or kill wildlife. Litter can also release toxins into the environment and can block rivers and streams damaging wetland habitats. Littering is caused by: illegal dumping, overflowing bins and thoughtlessness.
Peat
Global Warming
Global warming has the potential to alter the structure and function of our wetlands. Sea level rise threatens to inundate many coastal wetlands, with little room to move inland because of coastal development. Warmer water from global warming will alter the species composition and contribute to worsening dead zones and harmful algal blooms, increased incidence of marine diseases, and expansion of harmful invasive species. Floods, droughts and other extreme weather events will alter water flows, leading to more polluted runoff and lower water quality.
Drainage
Drainage is carried out on wetlands …show more content…
Wetlands are especially vulnerable to invasive species because of their position as acetones or interfaces between land and water environments that makes them susceptible to invasion from both. Wetlands can also act as pathways for invasive species to travel from different habitat types. Examples of wetland invasive species in Ireland include zebra mussels, American mink, Canadian waterweed, Japanese knotweed, giant rhubarb and giant hogweed.
Pollution
Pollution poisons the environment, it can kill wildlife and cause illness. Pollution can be caused by: sewage entering rivers, run-off from roads, agriculture and industrial sites, illegal dumping, pouring chemical waste down drains.
Litter
Litter is unsightly and can injure or kill wildlife. Litter can also release toxins into the environment and can block rivers and streams damaging wetland habitats. Littering is caused by: illegal dumping, overflowing bins and thoughtlessness.
Peat