How Fossil Fuels, Plastics, and Agrichemicals Delay Climate Action

January 26, 2025 / activist360

Split-screen visual with two contrasting scenes: Left Side: A sandy beach littered with plastic waste, including plastic bottles, straws, and various other trash items, emphasizing pollution and environmental degradation. Right Side: A serene and clean beach at sunset, with a golden sun reflecting on the calm waves of the ocean, symbolizing natural beauty and a sustainable, unpolluted environment. The image symbolizes the contrasts between environmental harm and the potential for a clean, thriving ecosystem.

Unmasking Climate Obstruction

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, but did you know that some of the biggest industries in the world are working together to block meaningful action? Fossil fuels, plastics, and agrichemicals are deeply connected, and they often use clever strategies to delay or deny the need for urgent climate action. These industries are obstructing progress and impacting on our planet as well as the health of ourselves and our loved ones.

Fossil Fuels and Climate Change

The Root of the Problem

Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas is the main driver of climate change. These fuels release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. This leads to more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and harm to ecosystems and biodiversity.

But the problem doesn’t stop there. The fossil fuel industry is deeply connected to two other major industries: plastics and agrichemicals. Together, these industries form a powerful network that resists policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel use.

Plastics and Agrichemicals: Hidden Contributors

Plastics and Pollution

Plastics are made from fossil fuels, and their production contributes significantly to climate change. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. Over time, plastics break down into tiny particles called microplastics, which pollute water, soil, and even the food we eat.

Agrichemicals and Their Impact

Industrial farming relies heavily on chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, which are also made from fossil fuels. These chemicals can contaminate water sources, harm wildlife, and disrupt ecosystems. For example, pesticides can kill beneficial insects like bees, which are crucial for pollinating crops. Fertilizers can cause algal blooms in water bodies, leading to “dead zones” where marine life cannot survive.

How Industries Block Climate Action

Social Media and Misleading Messaging

Companies in these industries often use social media platforms like X to spread messages that downplay the urgency of climate action. They ignore the problem of our reliance on fossil fuels. For example, ExxonMobil has promoted carbon capture technology as a solution, but this technology is not yet widely used and doesn’t address the continued extraction of fossil fuels.

Shifting Blame to Individuals

Instead of taking responsibility, these industries often shift the blame to individuals. They might encourage people to recycle more or use less water, while ignoring their own role in creating pollution and climate change. This tactic distracts from the need for large-scale, systemic changes.

Greenwashing

Many companies engage in “greenwashing,” where they make themselves appear environmentally friendly without taking meaningful action. For instance, they might highlight small sustainability projects while continuing to expand fossil fuel production. This creates a false impression that they are part of the solution, when in reality, they are part of the problem.

Lobbying Against Change

These industries spend millions of dollars lobbying governments to resist stricter environmental regulations. They argue that such rules would hurt the economy and cost jobs, even though these regulations are essential for protecting the planet and public health.

Impact on Biodiversity and Health

Harm to Wildlife

The production and use of fossil fuels, plastics, and agrichemicals have devastating effects on biodiversity. For example:

Plastics harm marine life, with animals like turtles and seabirds often mistaking plastic for food.
Pesticides kill beneficial insects like bees, which are vital for pollinating crops and maintaining ecosystems.
Fossil fuel extraction destroys habitats and contributes to deforestation, threatening endangered species.

Health Risks

These industries also pose serious risks to human health:

Air and water pollution from fossil fuel extraction and processing can cause respiratory diseases and other health problems such as cancer.
Chemicals from plastics and agrichemicals can contaminate drinking water and food supplies, leading to long-term health issues, including cancer.

What Can We Do?

Raise Awareness

One of the most important steps is to raise awareness about how these industries work together to block climate action. Share articles like this one, and talk to friends and family about the issue. The more people know, the harder it will be for these industries to continue their obstruction.

Support Stronger Regulations

Advocate for policies that limit fossil fuel production and promote clean energy. Contact your local representatives and let them know that you support stricter environmental regulations.

Reduce Your Reliance on Plastics and Chemicals

While individual actions alone won’t solve the problem, they can still make a difference. Reduce your use of single-use plastics, choose organic foods when possible, and support sustainable farming practices.

Hold Companies Accountable

Support organizations and campaigns that hold fossil fuel, plastic, and agrichemical companies accountable for their actions. Look for brands that are genuinely committed to sustainability and avoid those that engage in greenwashing.

Summing Up

The fossil fuel, plastics, and agrichemical industries are deeply connected and often work together to resist climate action. They use social media, lobbying, and misleading messaging to delay or deny the need for urgent action, all while continuing to harm the environment and public health. To address climate change, we need to look beyond just energy and focus on the entire petrochemical industry, including plastics and agrichemicals.

By raising awareness, supporting stronger regulations, and making sustainable choices, we can push back against these industries and work toward a healthier, more sustainable future. Together, we can unmask climate obstruction and demand real action for our planet.

Source: Kinol, A., Si, Y., Kinol, J., & Stephens, J. C. (2025). Networks of climate obstruction: Discourses of denial and delay in US fossil energy, plastic, and agrichemical industries. PLOS Climate, 4(1), Article e0000370. https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000370.

How Climate Change Is Changing Our Coastal Forests

January 19, 2025 / activist360

Map of change between sampling intervals in forest area for low and mid elevation (crossed) counties derived from the FIA. Vector shapefiles were retrieved from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Imagine driving along the coast and seeing rows of lifeless trees standing in pools of water—gray, leafless, and eerie. These “ghost forests” are appearing along the eastern United States, and they tell a sobering story about how climate change is reshaping our coastal landscapes. Coastal forests, which provide critical benefits to both people and wildlife, are disappearing or transforming at an alarming rate.

What Are Coastal Forests and Why Are They Important?

Coastal forests are unique woodlands found near the shorelines of oceans, bays, and estuaries. These forests thrive in areas with a mix of salty and fresh water, making them different from inland forests.

Coastal forests are essential for:

Wildlife Habitat: They provide homes for birds, fish, and other animals that rely on both land and water ecosystems.
Flood Protection: Their trees and soil act as natural barriers, absorbing water and reducing the impact of floods and storm surges.
Carbon Storage: Coastal forests capture and store large amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps slow the pace of global warming.

These vital ecosystems are under threat. Rising sea levels, stronger storms, and higher temperatures are causing widespread damage. Many trees are dying, leaving behind ghost forests where thriving woodlands once stood.

How Climate Change Is Impacting Coastal Forests

Climate change is reshaping coastal forests in profound ways, driven by rising sea levels, stronger storms, and increasing temperatures. Each of these factors contributes to the gradual transformation of these ecosystems, creating significant challenges for their survival.

Sea Level Rise: As sea levels rise, saltwater moves further inland, soaking the roots of trees that cannot survive in salty conditions. Over time, these trees die, creating ghost forests. Areas like the Chesapeake Bay have seen this transformation accelerate, as low-lying forests succumb to saltwater intrusion.
Stronger Storms: Hurricanes and tropical storms are becoming more intense due to climate change. These storms knock down trees, flood forest areas, and create conditions that make it harder for new trees to grow. While some forests recover, many do not, leading to a permanent loss of trees and wildlife habitats.
Warming Temperatures: Rising temperatures put stress on coastal forests by changing the types of trees and plants that can survive. Warmer weather can also make forests more vulnerable to pests and diseases, further accelerating tree loss.

What This Means for Us

The disappearance of coastal forests has far-reaching consequences that go beyond the trees themselves. From influencing the global climate to protecting communities and wildlife, these ecosystems play a critical role in maintaining balance.

Carbon Storage: Coastal forests are powerful carbon sinks, meaning they absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When these forests die, they release this stored carbon back into the air, worsening global warming.
Flood Protection: Without coastal forests, communities are more exposed to flooding and storm surges. These natural barriers are irreplaceable in their ability to protect homes, roads, and other infrastructure from water damage.
Wildlife Impact: The loss of coastal forests means many animals lose their homes. Birds, amphibians, and fish that rely on these ecosystems are forced to relocate—or they may not survive at all.

What Can Be Done?

While the challenges facing coastal forests are significant, there are practical steps we can take to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. From preserving existing forests to adapting to the realities of climate change, these actions offer hope for the future.

1. Protect Existing Forests

Taking steps to safeguard the forests we still have is crucial for their survival.

Limit construction and development near coastal areas to reduce stress on these ecosystems.
Establish protected zones where forests can thrive without human interference.

2. Plant More Trees

Replanting trees native to the land can restore damaged forests and strengthen their resilience against climate change.

Reforestation efforts can help rebuild damaged areas and increase the number of trees that store carbon.
Focus on planting salt-tolerant species, native to the land, in vulnerable areas to adapt to rising sea levels.

3. Adapt to Climate Change

Adapting to the realities of climate change can help protect coastal forests and ensure their long-term survival.

Build barriers or channels to prevent saltwater from reaching inland forests.
Use technology and research to monitor changes in forest health and plan for future challenges.

Summing Up

Coastal forests are lifelines for wildlife, shields against floods, and crucial allies in the fight against climate change. Saving these forests matters, not only for the environment but also for the well-being of communities that rely on them. Conservation efforts and innovative solutions are helping some coastal forests recover. And, with collective action, we can ensure these vital ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.

Source: Ardón, M., Potter, K. M., White, E., Jr., & Woodall, C. W. (2025). Coastal carbon sentinels: A decade of forest change along the eastern shore of the US signals complex climate change dynamics. PLOS Climate, 4(1), e0000444. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000444. See the data.

Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Marine Mammals

October 8, 2023 / activist360

A mother sperm whale and her calf off the coast of Mauritius. The calf has remoras attached to its body. Credit: Gabriel Barathieu, January 26, 2013.

Our oceans are suffering the impact of climate change. From inshore environments to the deep ocean, marine ecosystems are undergoing significant transformations due to rising temperatures, increased carbon dioxide levels, and shifting environmental conditions. This research article by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers published in PLOS ONE delves into the intricate relationship between climate change and marine mammals. The study focused on the United States’ western North Atlantic (WNA), Gulf of Mexico (GOMx), and Caribbean waters.

Drivers Impacting Marine Life

Global climate change has ushered in a multitude of alterations that stem from a handful of key drivers. Rising levels of heat and carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere are at the forefront. Here’s a closer look at the other major factors:

1. Increasing Ocean Temperatures

As the Earth’s temperature rises, so too do the temperatures of our oceans. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the western North Atlantic (WNA), where sea surface temperatures have been increasing rapidly. These rising temperatures have direct and indirect consequences for marine mammals that call these waters home.

2. Rising Sea Levels

One of the most visible effects of climate change is the rise in sea levels. This phenomenon is especially pronounced in regions like the southeastern United States, Gulf of Mexico (GOMx), and the Caribbean Sea. The accelerating sea level rise poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems and the marine life they support.

3. Decreasing Dissolved Oxygen

Climate change also contributes to declining levels of dissolved oxygen in our oceans. This is a particularly alarming trend for marine mammals, as many of them rely on oxygen-rich environments to thrive.

4. Declining Sea Ice Coverage

In polar regions, the decline in sea ice coverage is a stark indicator of climate change. This has profound implications for marine mammals like polar bears and seals, which depend on sea ice as a platform for hunting and resting.

5. Ocean Acidification

The increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are not only raising temperatures but also leading to ocean acidification. This can have devastating effects on marine life, particularly species with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.

6. Shifting Precipitation Patterns

Climate change also drives changes in precipitation patterns, impacting the salinity of ocean waters. These shifts can have cascading effects on marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

Impacts on Marine Mammals

The effects of climate change are not limited to the physical environment; they also dramatically affect marine communities, including marine mammals. Here are some of the key ways in which climate change impacts these majestic creatures:

1. Altered Distribution and Behavior

Marine mammal species with restricted geographical distributions and habitat tolerances are particularly vulnerable. The changing conditions of their environment leave them with limited opportunities to adapt.

2. Disrupted Prey Availability

Marine mammals rely on stable environments where prey availability is relatively predictable. Climate change can disrupt these ecosystems, leading to food scarcity and challenges in feeding.

3. Climate-Related Shifts in Distribution

Some marine mammal populations, such as ice-associated seals and subarctic cetaceans, have already shown shifts in distribution due to climate change. These changes have significant implications for their conservation and management.

4. Predictive Challenges

Predicting climate-driven changes in marine mammal distribution, phenology, and abundance is a complex task. However, advancements in modeling tools and approaches are improving our ability to make informed predictions.

Assessing Climate Vulnerability

Understanding the vulnerability of marine mammals to climate change is crucial for their conservation. Climate vulnerability assessments (CVAs) play a pivotal role in identifying species at risk. These assessments take into account factors such as exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity.

Trait-Based CVAs

One approach to CVAs involves trait-based assessments, which consider the biological or ecological traits of species that are linked to climate responses. While this method provides less resolution than quantitative approaches, it offers a rapid and adaptable way to assess vulnerability.

NOAA’s Role in Marine Mammal Protection

In the United States, the NOAA has a mandate to protect and recover marine mammal species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). To address climate-related threats to marine mammals, NOAA conducts trait-based CVAs for stocks in the WNA, GOMx, and Caribbean waters.

Conclusion

Climate change presents a profound challenge to marine mammals in the United States’ WNA, GOMx, and Caribbean waters. It is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. As the world grapples with the consequences of a changing climate, it is imperative that we prioritize the conservation and protection of these incredible creatures. NOAA’s efforts, including trait-based CVAs and vulnerability rankings, provide valuable tools for understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on marine mammals.

By comprehensively assessing vulnerability and taking proactive measures, we can work towards safeguarding the future of our marine mammal populations.

Source: Lettrich, M.D. et al. (2023). Vulnerability to climate change of U.S. marine mammal stocks in western North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. PLoS ONE, 18(9), e0290643.