Ecology News Writing Assignment: Starfish, Oceans, & Climate Change

This essay analyzes a New York Times article discussing the mass die-off of starfish along the Pacific Coast due to a wasting disease, linking it to warming ocean temperatures exacerbated by human-caused global warming. The study, led by researchers at Cornell and UC Davis, correlates the sunflower star population decline with the spread of heat through the ocean. The article highlights the role of citizen-scientists and NOAA data in understanding the phenomenon. It also emphasizes the broader implications of warming oceans on marine life, drawing parallels with diseases affecting frogs, toads, and corals. The essay underscores the urgent need to address climate change to protect marine ecosystems, referencing potential solutions like seagrass replanting and mangrove protection. The return of sunflower stars in Alaska offers a glimmer of hope, while the article acknowledges the continued absence of these stars in the lower 48 states. Desklib provides access to similar essays and study resources for students.