Warming Seas and Microplastics Are Harming Sardines—And Us

March 23, 2025 / activist360

Infographic showing how feeding behavior and temperature affect plastic fibre ingestion in European sardines (Sardina pilchardus). Sardines that use filter-feeding ingest more plastic fibres, expel them faster, and have a lower condition index compared to particulate-feeding sardines. Warmer temperatures (19°C) increase plastic fibre ingestion and speed up intestinal transit time.

Feeding behavior and warming seas influence plastic fibre ingestion in sardines. Sardines that filter-feed ingest significantly more plastic fibres than those that eat larger particles (particulate-feeding). Warmer water temperatures (19°C) lead to faster digestion but also more plastic consumption. Filter-feeding sardines show lower health scores, highlighting the combined stress of microplastic pollution and climate change. (Source: Rodriguez-Romeu et al., 2024)

Sardines may be small, but they play a big role in the ocean—and on our dinner plates. These little fish are a key food source for larger marine animals like dolphins and tuna, and millions of people around the world eat them, too. They’re also packed with nutrients and are considered one of the most sustainable seafood choices out there.

But sardines are in trouble. In the Mediterranean Sea, their population has dropped sharply in recent decades. And scientists are discovering that two major forces—warming ocean temperatures and plastic pollution—are teaming up to make life even harder for these essential fish.

What’s harming sardines may be a warning sign for us all.

The Hidden Threat: Plastic Fibres in the Ocean

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that break down from larger items like bottles, bags, and packaging. But not all microplastics are the same. A specific type called plastic fibres is even more common in the ocean—and more likely to be eaten by fish.

Plastic fibres are tiny thread-like pieces that come from clothing, fishing gear, and other waste. They’re too small to see with the naked eye but can float in the water, where fish easily mistake them for food. In fact, up to 91% of microplastics in ocean water are fibres, making them the most common type of plastic pollution in the sea.

The Experiment: What Scientists Found

To better understand how sardines interact with plastic fibres, scientists designed a unique experiment. They took wild sardines and placed them in tanks that mimicked ocean conditions. The tanks contained a realistic amount of plastic fibres—five fibres per liter of water, similar to what’s found in polluted areas of the sea.

They fed the sardines in two different ways:

Particulate-feeding: Fish were given large food pellets, which they eat one by one.
Filter-feeding: Fish were given tiny particles, similar to how they naturally eat plankton by filtering water through their gills.

The scientists also tested two water temperatures:

16°C, which reflects current Mediterranean conditions.
19°C, which represents a possible future scenario as oceans warm due to climate change.

Startling Results: What Happened to the Sardines

The results were clear—and concerning.

Sardines that fed by filter-feeding accidentally ate about eight times more plastic fibres than those eating larger particles. On average:

Filter-feeders ingested 4.95 fibres per fish
Particulate-feeders ingested only 0.6 fibres per fish

Temperature also made a difference. At warmer temperatures (19°C):

Sardines expelled plastic fibres faster, likely due to faster digestion.
But they also ingested more plastic, probably because their metabolism increased and they needed more food.

Another discovery: Plastic fibres stayed in the sardines’ digestive system longer than real food. Half the food was gone in about 12–14 hours, but it took 23–25 hours to get rid of just half the plastic fibres.

The Health Impact on Sardines

Over the course of the experiment, filter-feeding sardines didn’t just eat more plastic—they also got weaker.

They lost more weight and had lower body condition scores compared to those eating larger particles.
Their stomachs were less full, which suggests they ate less food overall and didn’t get enough energy.

Interestingly, the plastic alone wasn’t what made them unhealthy. Instead, it was the combination of filter-feeding and warmer water that seemed to hurt them most. Warmer oceans can lead to smaller plankton, which makes filter-feeding more common—and that leads to more plastic being ingested.

Why This Matters for Climate and Human Health

The health of sardines isn’t just a fish problem—it’s an ocean problem and a human problem.

Here’s why this matters:

Warming oceans = smaller plankton
Smaller plankton = more filter-feeding by fish
More filter-feeding = more plastic consumed

If sardine populations continue to shrink:

Predators like tuna, dolphins, and seabirds could lose a key food source.
People who depend on sardines for protein or income may struggle.
Ocean ecosystems could become unbalanced.

These changes don’t happen in isolation. Climate change and plastic pollution often work together, creating stress that marine life—and people—may not be able to overcome.

What Can We Do?

The good news is that small changes on land can protect life in the sea. Here are a few steps anyone can take:

Choose clothes made from natural fibers (like cotton or wool). Washing synthetic clothes sheds plastic fibres into the water.
Reduce plastic packaging by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
Support ocean cleanup efforts and organizations that study microplastics.
Advocate for climate action, including clean energy and reduced carbon emissions, to help slow ocean warming.
Hold your local, state, and national elected officials accountable for taking climate action and protecting our water, air, and health.

A Call to Protect What Connects Us All

Sardines may not get much attention, but they’re part of a delicate chain that connects us all. When small creatures suffer, the effects can ripple through the food web—and onto our plates.

The choices we make on land ripple into the sea—and into our future.

By staying informed, reducing plastic use, and supporting climate action, we can help protect the ocean, our food systems, and the health of generations to come.

Source: Rodriguez-Romeu, O., Constenla, M., Soler-Membrives, A., Dutto, G., Saraux, C., & Schull, Q. (2024). Sardines in hot water: Unravelling plastic fibre ingestion and feeding behaviour effects. Environmental Pollution, 363, 125035. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0269749124017500

National Parks at Risk: How Privatization Could Speed Up Climate Change

February 23, 2025 / activist360

Yosemite Valley, among the trees, in June 2023. Credit: Diana Bald

America’s national parks are powerful and beautiful. They are scenic vacation spots and part of our shared heritage. They are home to countless wildlife species and natural protectors against climate change. Recently, concerns have grown about privatization—the idea of private companies taking over or managing aspects of our national parks. Why does this matter? Privatization could change how these lands are cared for, possibly speeding up climate change and limiting public access.

Below we’ll share what privatization is, why it’s happening, and how it might put our parks—and our planet—at risk. You’ll learn about potential harm to wildlife and ecosystems and see how private profit-seeking might increase carbon pollution. Finally, we’ll look at the different sides of the debate and share ways you can help protect these treasures for future generations.

What Is National Park Privatization?

Privatization of national parks means involving private companies in running parts of a park—or, in more extreme cases, selling park land. While the second option is very rare and highly controversial, there are other, more common ways private interests can step in.

Concessions: This is when private businesses manage hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, or gift shops inside a national park. A company might build and operate a lodge while paying fees to the government.
Public-Private Partnerships: The government owns the park but hires or partners with a private operator to handle daily services, like cleaning facilities or running visitor centers.
Outright Sale: In uncommon situations, park land could be sold to a private entity, meaning it is no longer publicly owned.

Why It’s Happening

Many parks have significant funding gaps. According to the National Park Service (NPS), national parks in the United States face an estimated $11.9 billion maintenance backlog, meaning there’s a lot of work that needs to be done—like fixing roads, upgrading water systems, and repairing trails—but not enough money to do it all. Some people believe private companies can fill this gap by bringing in their own funds and running things more efficiently.

Why Do People Worry About Privatization?

Privatization sometimes gives private businesses room to push for more development—like building bigger hotels or even introducing commercial activities in delicate areas. This can mean fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide, more greenhouse gas emissions from construction, and more energy use to support amenities like large resorts (Source: National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)).

Loss of Public Control

Our national parks belong to all of us. When for-profit companies take a bigger role, everyday citizens can lose their say in how these lands are used. Government agencies like the National Park Service aim to protect wildlife, natural beauty, and our shared heritage. Private companies have a duty to earn profits. These two goals don’t always line up.

Risk of High Prices and Limited Access

Private businesses often raise fees to cover costs and make a profit. That might include higher prices for overnight stays, guided tours, or even basic park entry. Imagine a scenario where only those who can pay premium rates get to enjoy our national treasures. That kind of setup could exclude families on a budget or students looking to learn about nature firsthand.

How Could Privatization Speed Up Climate Change?

Privately built hotels, roads, and resorts can encroach on forests or wetlands that store carbon. Removing trees or filling in wetlands releases carbon that was previously locked away in plants and soil, adding to the greenhouse gases warming our planet.

When privatization weakens environmental protections, there’s a chance that companies will seek permission to mine, drill, or log on public lands near or even within parks. Extracting natural resources not only increases carbon emissions but also disrupts critical habitats for animals and plants.

A private operator looking for higher profits might want to draw large crowds. More visitors can be wonderful for education and appreciation, but it can also mean more cars, heavier traffic, and longer lines, all leading to additional exhaust fumes and higher greenhouse gas emissions.

Harm to Wildlife and Ecosystems

Big developments like roads, fences, or commercial sites can cut wildlife habitats into smaller pieces. When animals can’t move around freely to find food or migrate, their populations may decline. This fragmentation makes ecosystems more fragile and less able to bounce back from natural disasters linked to climate change.

Reduced Biodiversity

National parks often safeguard a vast range of plant and animal species. Overbuilding, pollution, and noise can push away or endanger species—leading to a drop in biodiversity. Healthy ecosystems rely on a balance of predators, prey, and plants. When that balance is lost, the entire system can unravel.

Less Resilient Ecosystems

Forests, wetlands, and grasslands inside parks help lessen the worst impacts of climate change by storing carbon, stabilizing soils, and buffering against floods. If these areas become fragmented or polluted, they can’t protect us as effectively from the rising threats of wildfires, severe storms, or droughts (Source: United Nations Environment Programme).

Different Sides of the Argument

We’re stunned by the concept of loosing national parks that belong to all of us to private ownership of a few. Privatization supporters argue that private companies could bring much-needed funding, potentially fix aging facilities, and even offer new innovations—like using clean energy in park buildings. They also point out that private partnerships might generate jobs for local communities. Critics worry that a focus on profit could weaken conservation efforts, possibly leading to higher entrance fees that shut out families or lower-income visitors. They also warn that private operators may not face the same level of public oversight, which could make environmental regulations harder to enforce.

Arguments For Privatization

May bring more money to fix trails, roads, and park facilities.
Could create jobs in local communities, especially around tourism.
Potential for private innovation, such as using solar power in new building projects if the contract requires it.

Arguments Against Privatization

Profit motives overlook long-term conservation and climate goals.
Increased fees could limit public access and make visiting too expensive for many people.
Less accountability and oversight mean environmental standards may not be enforced strictly.

Actions Concerned Citizens Can Take

You don’t need a science degree or a powerful position to help protect our parks. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

Stay Informed
- Subscribe to newsletters from organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association or the Sierra Club.
- Monitor local and national news to learn about any privatization bills or policies that might affect your favorite park.
Speak Up
- Contact your elected officials—call, email, or meet them at a town hall—and share your concerns about privatization proposals.
- Write letters to local newspapers or post on social media to raise awareness.
Support Public Funding
- Advocate for strong public budgets for parks. For instance, the Great American Outdoors Act helps fund maintenance and conservation projects without relying solely on private money.
- Encourage your community to vote in favor of bond measures or other funding initiatives that keep parks public and well-maintained.
Volunteer and Donate
- Donate to nonprofits dedicated to conservation and biodiversity.
- Look for volunteer programs in local or national parks, where you can help maintain trails or educate visitors about conservation.

Final Thoughts

National parks belong to everyone. While privatization might seem like a quick fix to budget problems, it can have serious effects on our climate and on the health of these special places. Private operators could prioritize profits over the long-term well-being of wildlife and ecosystems, leading to more carbon emissions and less public involvement.

By staying informed, speaking up, and supporting strong public funding, you can help protect national parks for generations to come. Your voice matters in deciding how these natural wonders should be cared for. With a little effort, we can make sure our parks remain open, wild, and resilient in a changing climate—leaving a healthy legacy for those who come after us.

Sources

The Future of Chocolate is in Danger: How Climate Change is Harming West Africa’s Cocoa Farms

February 16, 2025 / activist360

A close-up of cacao pods hanging from a tree branch. One pod is green and healthy, while the other is yellowed. The tree’s bark is rough, surrounded by green leaves. Credit: Tope A. Asokere on Pexels.

The Chocolate Crisis You Didn’t See Coming

Imagine walking into your favorite store, craving a bar of smooth, rich chocolate, only to find that prices have skyrocketed—or worse, your favorite brand is no longer available. It sounds extreme, but this could be the reality in the not-so-distant future. West Africa produces 70% of the world’s cacao, the key ingredient in chocolate, but climate change is making it harder to grow. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and increasing crop diseases are threatening cacao farms.

This isn’t just bad news for chocolate lovers. Millions of farmers depend on cacao to feed their families and support their communities. If cacao production continues to decline, their livelihoods—and the world’s chocolate supply—are at risk.

Where Does Chocolate Come From? (And Why Should You Care?)

Most of us don’t think about where chocolate comes from—we just enjoy it. But before that delicious bar reaches your hands, it starts as a pod growing on a delicate cacao tree.

Cacao trees thrive in warm, humid climates, but there’s a catch—they can’t handle extreme heat. The ideal temperature for cacao trees is below 32°C (89.6°F), and anything hotter can start causing serious problems.

The biggest producers of cacao—Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria—rely on these trees for their economies. More than 9 million farmers and workers depend on cacao farming to survive. But now, climate change is pushing temperatures past safe levels, and cacao trees are suffering.

Rising Temperatures Are Hurting Cacao Farms

Cacao trees have been growing in West Africa for centuries, but in recent years, farmers have noticed something disturbing: it’s getting too hot for their crops.

Since 2015, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have had 40 extra days per year where temperatures rise above 32°C.
In 2024, 71% of cacao-producing areas experienced six extra weeks of extreme heat.

Why does this matter? Because excessive heat weakens cacao trees.

Too much heat reduces photosynthesis, slowing growth and lowering cacao yields.
Cacao pods shrivel up or grow smaller, reducing the amount of chocolate that can be made.
Farmers are losing money, and global chocolate prices are rising.

One farmer in Côte d’Ivoire described it best:

The leaves used to protect our cacao pods from the sun. Now, they fall off too soon, and the pods dry out before we can harvest them.

The result? Lower quality cacao, smaller harvests, and more expensive chocolate.

Too Much Rain, Then Not Enough

If rising temperatures weren’t bad enough, cacao trees now face another major problem: wildly unpredictable rainfall.

Cacao farming depends on steady, well-distributed rain—about 1,500 to 2,000 mm per year. But thanks to climate change, rainfall has become chaotic:

In July 2024, Côte d’Ivoire received 40% more rain than expected. Farms flooded, cacao pods rotted, and entire crops were lost.
In December 2024, some regions received almost no rain. Without water, cacao trees wilted, and pods stopped growing.

It’s a double disaster: too much rain drowns the crops, too little leaves them starving. Farmers can’t predict when to plant or harvest, and each year gets more uncertain.

It’s Not Just the Weather, There are Other Threats to Cacao Farming

As if extreme heat and unpredictable rainfall weren’t enough, cacao farmers face even more obstacles.

Pests & Diseases Are Spreading Faster Than Ever

Warmer temperatures help pests thrive, especially mealybugs, tiny insects that spread the deadly Cacao Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV).

600,000 hectares of cacao farms in Ghana were infected with CSSV in 2023.
This disease alone caused a 17% drop in Ghana’s cacao production.

When cacao trees get infected, they stop producing pods and eventually die. Farmers are losing entire farms to this disease, and finding ways to stop it is difficult.

Smuggling & Illegal Mining are Stealing Cacao Farmers’ Livelihoods

Cacao farming is already tough work, but low wages are forcing some farmers to sell their crops to smugglers or even give up farming entirely.

Ghana lost 160,000 tons of cacao to smugglers in the 2023/2024 season—three times more than the previous year.
Some farmers are leasing their land to illegal miners because mining pays better than farming.

The problem? Mining damages the land, making it impossible to farm cacao again. Once a farmer gives up their land, they may never be able to return to growing cacao.

Can Anything Be Done? Yes—But It Will Take Effort.

Despite these challenges, there are solutions that can help protect cacao farming. Here’s what’s being done:

Planting Shade Trees (Agroforestry)

Farmers are planting taller trees, like banana, mango, and cashew, to protect cacao from extreme heat.
These trees cool down cacao farms and improve soil moisture.

Fighting Pests & Disease

Scientists are working on disease-resistant cacao trees to fight CSSV.
Better pest management techniques could reduce losses by 17% per year.

Fair Trade & Financial Support

Programs that pay farmers fair wages reduce smuggling and illegal mining.
More financial support means farmers can afford climate adaptation strategies.

These solutions are helping, but they need global support to make a real impact.

You might be wondering—what can I actually do? Here are some ideas:

Choose ethical chocolate by looking for Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or Direct Trade labels. These brands support sustainable cacao farming and fair wages for farmers.
Support reforestation projects. Some groups help plant shade trees on cacao farms to protect crops from climate change. Supporting these efforts helps cacao trees survive extreme weather.
Tell your friends and family about this issue.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate isn’t just a treat—it’s a lifeline for millions of farmers. But if climate change continues at this rate, chocolate could become a rare luxury. The good news? We still have time to act. By choosing sustainable chocolate, supporting reforestation, and spreading awareness, we can help protect cacao farming for generations to come.

Source: Climate Central. (2025, February 12). Climate change is heating up West Africa’s cocoa belt. Climate Central. Retrieved from https://www.climatecentral.org/