WATCH: An Insight Into Our Oceans With Dr Simon Boxall
By Honey Neil and Emma Neil
During our interview with Dr Simon Boxall, an oceanographer and senior lecturer at Southampton University, we were able to gather a much better insight into the ecosystem of the ocean.
Dr Boxall has over 35 years of experience in this topic, which was clear when he was answering our questions. His answers were very detailed and helpful at teaching us more about our oceans.
Oceans cover 71% of our world yet most people do not know the severity of the issues. Along with the weather, our oceans have also increased in temperature by a drastic amount, which results in sea levels rising. When the sea levels rise, we risk the disappearance of some aquatic life and even small Pacific islands. These small communities are expected to suffer greatly as they do not have the money or resources to combat the rise.
Dr. Boxall’s main concern was the rate at which this is happening. If we look back in history, we are actually expected to be in a drop of temperature, a “mini ice age” however, because of our pollution and carelessness we are actually in a temperature surplus.
One of the ways Boxall suggested change was individually. If we all make small changes, then little by little things will change for the better. For example, even having just one or two vegetarian meals a week will have a positive impact. It will have to be a global effort and says “it comes down to us”.
It was also proven that during Covid, and everyone being forced to stay inside on their technology, the environment was actually better off. Seas were clearer, and there was a significant dip in CO2 emissions. The oceans are some of the biggest CO2 sinks on earth, and are actually more effective than rainforests. When a tree is cut down or naturally rots away, the CO2 is then released back into the atmosphere. However, the plankton and plants that collect CO2 in the ocean take it to the sea bed and store it away when they die. The ocean helps to buffer the effect of climate change and C02 emissions. But it cannot last forever.
Encouragement from the government is needed for there to be concrete change, things like legislation and alternative and accessible energy sources must be implemented if we have a chance of redemption.
Dr Simon Boxall states “every day is a tipping point.” We must treat every day as the final day to redeem past actions and improve our climate.
