Global warming - problems and solutions

The Chesapeake Bay near Washington DC, US, is affected by multiple factors, ranging from population growth to climate variability, which will challenge the recovery of this important ecosystem. New findings released by the U.S. Geological Survey are part of a comprehensive 5-year summary of the major factors affecting the health of the Bay ecosystem and the implications for its management. Population growth and agricultural lands have contributed to an overabundance of nutrients, sediment, and contaminants entering the Bay, and loss of habitats that can retain these pollutants. Climate change and variability have caused water temperatures in the Bay to exhibit greater extremes during the 20th century than the previous 2,000 years. Sea-level rise related to climate change is contributing to the loss of vital coastal wetlands. The cumulative impact of pollutants, habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and disease has affected the health of fish and bird populations in the Bay and its watershed.