LEGO in the seas
Spanish
The current environmental crisis in which we find ourselves is due to the progressive destruction of the subsystems that comprise the global Earth system.
Slowly and quietly, the marine ecosystem takes our multiple impacts (pollution spills, overexploitation of resources, construction of artificial harbors and bays, etc.). This degradation makes impossible that enviroment plays their vital ecological functions. In fact, the influence on climate change is for some unknown. The oceans are the main natural carbon sinks, being assimilated by the plankton, corals and fish, and then transformed into sedimentary or biogenic rocks. They absorb about 50% of carbon emitted, contributing greatly in reducing atmospheric concentrations. The good condition and conservation of our seas is therefore central to the fight against this serious ecological problem.
Most obvious is, perhaps, the ocean’s role as a source of both exhaustible and inexhaustible.
In its waters live about 180.000 species of animals, including about 16,000 species of fish. Also there are approximately 10,000 species of plants, which are indispensable in the food chains of marine inhabitants. For all this, the ocean offers not only rich meats, but also other resources such as fish meal, with a high content of amino acids, vitamins and other elements that can be used for feeding livestock and poultry and, indirectly, the nutrition of man.
These biotic elements are a resource to be depleted, either by over-exploitation or alteration of habitats where they thrive. An example is found in bluefin tuna, whose populations are endangered and are the staple food of some societies. In addition, the economic impact that this entails a high cost.
They are also a valuable resource seaweed, which are useful in the development of many raw materials such as paper, cardboard, glue, alcohol and yeast. Of them also obtained thanks to the high concentration of potassium which possess valuable fertilizer.
Below the water resources are so important to humans, such as oil and gas, of which it is easy to obtain a high number of elements such as magnesium, bromine, boron, uranium, copper, etc.. As a renewable resource are also salt, crucial in the history of many civilizations and so necessary today, which is obtained directly from the sea.
Water microorganisms play an important role in eliminating harmful waste product of industry, transportation and other human activities, with the ability to purify and restore the environment.
Obtaining energy from seas and oceans is undoubtedly one of the great benefits we provide, either in the form of sickness-motor power or subsea installations to “extract” the solar thermal energy. Through these facilities are used which have enormous energy potential of marine waters as the tides are regular, the continuous movement of surface waves and relatively deep and the ocean’s ability to accumulate heat from the sun, all for the benefit of man.
The oceans and seas not only separate continents, but, being a very useful environment for the transport of large shipments, effectively linking some other countries, by incessant traffic is growing from year to year.
Apart from these uses we have mentioned above, the sea water is used directly in the industry for other purposes, such as the cooling of large industrial boilers. Moreover, in these times and there are procedures for the desalination of seawater to use as drinking water.
The sands are also a great resource for construction, although, like any resource, its use should be rational, given that their exploitation in inappropriate places and amounts, can affect the flow of sand from the beaches and, therefore, impair these places of recreation and tourism population.
LEGO expresses its commitment to the seas. A clear example is found in Legoland Sealife Aquarium (USA). There, children can enjoy the view and knowledge of marine species through educational, interactive and dynamic visits.
The underwater theme LEGO Atlantis allows, through play, children’s approach to various marine elements, which is essential to raise awareness on respect for the sea for future generations.
Información adicional:
- Calypso, the famous Cousteau boat.
