Recent discussions at the Café Científico event highlighted the urgent need for effective waste management and water conservation in Panama as climate change accelerates its impact on marine ecosystems.
Experts, including Carlos De Gracia from the University of Panama, emphasized that rising sea temperatures could lead to decreased oxygen levels, threatening fish survival and biodiversity. Projections suggest that by 2100, nearly 50% of fish species in Central America could be lost, severely affecting the economy and marine resource management.
De Gracia pointed out that as fish seek cooler habitats, they may move to areas lacking protective legislation, increasing their vulnerability to overfishing. Understanding past environmental changes is crucial for predicting future species responses to climate disturbances.
Eric Manzané from the Technological University of Panama discussed how species are shifting towards more suitable climates, potentially disrupting tropical ecosystems. Research into how climate change affects the distribution and diversity of trees and vines is essential for predicting the future of these complex ecosystems.