In an era marked by remarkable progress, countless visionaries are tirelessly shaping a better world for humanity, delivering groundbreaking technologies that revolutionize our lives. Yet, amid this surge of progress, we must confront a sobering reality: too often, these advancements come at the expense of our environment. While innovators strive to enhance our quality of life, the collateral damage inflicted upon the planet cannot be ignored. It is a pressing issue that we acknowledge and to address the adverse effects of these advancements on our delicate ecosystem. The need to mitigate such environmental impacts is paramount, for in safeguarding our planet, we ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
How does this relate to the Navy and Marine Corps, and what role do they play in addressing these issues? Within these agencies, numerous brilliant inventors are constantly giving birth to a multitude of new innovations. However, it’s crucial to address the potential environmental issues that may arise as a result. This holds great importance for several reasons. Firstly, climate change poses significant risks to national security, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing climate patterns all capable of impacting naval installations and on-sea bases. Such disruptions can greatly hamper military operations. By actively mitigating the impacts of climate change, the strain placed upon the environment can be diminished. Furthermore, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and implementing sustainable practices, these agencies can minimize their ecological footprint and safeguard sensitive ecosystems. Such a commitment to environmental sustainability aligns with broader national and international goals aimed at addressing climate change and preserving the planet for future generations.
This is where individuals like Dr. Jessica Carilli and her team enter the picture. Given the various navy installations that can affect the condition of the ocean, there are numerous scenarios where they need to mitigate or compensate for environmental impacts. Because preventing environmental consequences isn’t the military’s primary role, Dr. Carilli and her team are tasked with developing strategies to reduce impacts with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore the Navy and Marine Corps do not need to worry about these issues.
One of their projects involves replacing current coral mitigation technology. Coral reefs, which exist in clean tropical waters, serve as 3D habitats and are regarded as “rainforests of the sea” because of their high biodiversity. They are an organism that supports around a fourth of marine life. These reefs are particularly vulnerable to land-based runoff and human activity due to the unique characteristics of their ecosystem. Ocean acidification by greenhouse gasses like CO2 leads to the formation of carbonic acid when it dissolves in seawater. This acidification hampers the ability of corals to build and maintain their calcium carbonate skeletons, essential for their growth and structure. As the acidity rises, coral reefs face challenges in their formation and sustainability. On the other hand, human activities, particularly destructive practices like overfishing, disrupt the delicate balance within coral ecosystems. Overfishing removes key species, such as parrotfish and surgeonfish, which play crucial roles in controlling algae growth on corals. The decline of these herbivorous fish populations allows algae to overgrow and smother the corals. Whenever a project has the potential to impact coral reefs, mitigation measures must be taken.
However, mitigating such impacts is challenging also due to the extraordinary biodiversity of these ecosystems. Therefore, efforts are being made to develop new materials that enhance coral growth and settlement while reducing competition from algae, which may outcompete the corals. A notable innovation from Dr. Carilli’s team is the coral arc, a large geodesic sphere that is positively buoyant and anchored to the seafloor. By suspending the structure in mid-water, the water chemistry can be improved, providing a more suitable environment for coral attachment. Additionally, an “apartment complex” called the Autonomous Reef Monitoring System (ARMS) is being developed. This structure features crevices where other organisms such as sponges and other coral reef creatures can settle. Once these organisms have established themselves, the ARMS can be moved to a coral reef structure, creating a more biodiverse and resilient ecosystem. The improved water quality and diverse range of organisms contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Dr. Carilli’s work fills me with inspiration as it represents a beacon of hope for the future of technology. This coral reef project exemplifies just one of the many endeavors aimed at effecting positive environmental change. It demonstrates the vast potential we have to mitigate the overarching problem of climate change. In a world where apathy and nihilistic attitudes towards our environment prevail, projects like these showcase the multitude of possibilities and future innovations that can alleviate the strain we place on Earth.
Dr. Carilli herself is an incredibly inspiring individual who has charted her own remarkable path in the field of environmental science. Her career and accomplishments resonate deeply with my own aspirations in the future. Her personal narrative of unwavering dedication to environmental science, beginning from a young age, and her determined decision to create her own major in environmental systems during college, serve as a profound inspiration. Furthermore, her relentless pursuit of knowledge through graduate school and postdoctoral research mirrors the path I aspire to follow in the future. The unwavering passion that Dr. Carilli possesses for aiding the environment through government work is exceptionally motivating. She continually seeks innovative approaches to enhance the efficiency of mitigation technology, embodying a commitment to making a tangible difference. Dr. Carilli’s journey, much like the one I envision for myself, encompasses a deep passion for education and a resolute dedication to leaving a meaningful impact on the world.
The future holds immense potential for mitigating environmental damage caused by human
impacts, thanks to advancements in science and technology. Advanced materials and design, including lightweight and durable materials, improved hull designs, and innovative coatings, can enhance fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of naval vessels.
Additionally, cutting-edge sensing technologies such as remote sensing, satellite imaging, and unmanned systems enable monitoring and understanding of climate change impacts on naval operations and ecosystems. Furthermore, real-time data collection empowers informed decision-making, enabling proactive measures within the Navy and Marine Corps to mitigate environmental risks. Furthermore, incorporating nature-based solutions like living shorelines, wetlands restoration, and green infrastructure practices can bolster coastal resilience, reduce erosion, and lessen the vulnerability of naval installations to climate change impacts.
Lastly, advancements in communication technologies and data sharing platforms foster collaboration among naval forces, scientific communities, and industry partners. Sharing best practices, research findings, and innovative solutions can accelerate the adoption of climate mitigation strategies throughout the Navy. These technological breakthroughs have the potential to benefit not only the military but also other domains, reducing human impacts on our oceans and lands.
In conclusion, Dr. Carilli’s work and the advancements within the Navy and Marine Corps inspire optimism for the future. By harnessing the power of technology and collaborating across sectors, we can protect our planet and simultaneously safeguard the well-being of the American people. I firmly believe that the technology developed within the corps can be applied beyond military scenarios, playing a vital role in alleviating human-induced harm to our precious earth.
Navy, Marines, STEM videos, student essay | (2023 Highest Honors)