by Kiara DeVaughn

Drastic temperature change due to climate change can be seen in many different aspects of the world. A recent article published in late January of this year states that sea turtles that have been stunned by the cold temperatures of the NC coast have been being taken to an aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores and a turtle rehab center in Topsail.

According to the NC State’s Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, 109 turtles affected by the frigid temperatures were taken from Cape Lookout, with only 36 surviving. The surviving turtles were taken to the aquarium and rehab center after undergoing treatment. They were then released back into their natural habitat after successful rehabilitation..

Soon after the previous 109 turtles were found, over 100 more were sighted between Bodie Island and Ocracoke. From this set of turtles, 24 died, adding to a total of 105 turtles undergoing rehab at the aquarium since the cold season of November 2023.

The reason sea turtles become stunned and eventually die is because of the dropping temperatures, causing the turtles to go into a lethargic state and making it difficult for them to surface from the water and breathe in air. High winds carry the turtles to shores that are closely monitored during colder weather. These shores happen to be monitored by biologists and volunteers, ensuring they receive the specific treatments and rehabilitation efforts for them to be returned to the ocean.

Climate change due to human activities has caused the rapid change in temperatures worldwide, having drastic effects on all types of wildlife and habitats. This article is just one example of how detrimental it is to reduce the harmful effects that are caused to the planet, preventing any further negative changes from occurring.