The freshwater ecosystem comprises of fresh water bodies such as lakes, rivers, streams and ponds (Conserve Energy Future, 2016). Freshwater ecosystems are vital for all living organisms as they possess rich natural resources. Freshwater is fundamental for human life, and this is because it underpins water and food security as well as economic productivity. Freshwater bodies provide numerous services to human beings as well as the environment. Besides the provision of water for the purposes of consumption, freshwater bodies are also used for recreational purposes and tourism.
The degradation of freshwater bodies is mainly triggered by natural and anthropogenic factors such as climate change and water pollution respectfully. The earth’s temperature has been on a steady rise, and this has resulted in cases of drought as more water is lost through evaporation (GRACE Communications Foundation, 201
...6). Water pollution also degrades freshwater bodies, thus, making it unusable. Freshwater bodies such as rivers and lakes are usually polluted by organic matter, toxic organic compounds and heavy metals. Not only does water pollution suffocate aquatic life but it also increases cases of acute poisoning or reproductive failure (Green Facts, 2004). Similarly, continuous dumping of waste products in rivers and lakes reduces activities such as fishing and other tourist activities.
In order to address the issue of freshwater pollution, governments need to come up with policies that will protect water resources from pollution. Through these policies, awareness will be created as people will be educated on the impacts of water pollution on human health as well as the environment. Similarly, to address the issue of climate change, citizens should be urged to minimize the rate of cutting down trees as this
contributes to global warming. According to studies, deforestation adds more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere compared to automobiles (Scientific American, 2016).
Reference
- Conserve Energy Future. (2016). What is an Ecosystem? Retrieved from http://www.conserve- energy-future.com/what-is-an-ecosystem.php#abh_posts
- GRACE Communications Foundation. (2016). The Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources. Retrieved from http://www.gracelinks.org/2380/the-impact-of-climate- change-on-water-resources
- Green Facts. (2004). Freshwater pollution sources, effects and constituents of concern. Retrieved from http://www.greenfacts.org/en/water-resources/figtableboxes/5.htm
- Scientific American. (2016). Deforestation and Its Extreme Effect on Global Warming. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/deforestation-and-global- warming/
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