Researchers are concerned about the low number of academics studying climate change, especially in continental aquatic ecosystems. In Mexico, there are few research teams focused on studying these ecosystems, according to Oscar Gerardo Nieto, a researcher at the Institute of Marine Sciences and Limnology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Despite only representing 3.7 percent of the Earth’s surface, aquatic ecosystems contribute significantly to the emission of greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. Gerardo Nieto pointed out that while these ecosystems release greenhouse gases, they can also capture and store large quantities of carbon. Understanding this dynamic requires in-depth studies to determine their production, consumption, storage, and emissions.
One of the challenges in studying aquatic ecosystems is the lack of comprehensive scientific studies, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Most research focuses on boreal and temperate ecosystems, and there is a limited number of measurements and sample analysis, which can affect the accuracy of results. Gerardo Nieto emphasized the importance of including diverse ecosystems in global inventories to better understand their impact on climate change.
In Mexico, there are only a few scientific groups studying aquatic biomes and their greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for more research in this area. Monitoring these emissions can help assess their sensitivity to climate change and inform decisions to address global warming while protecting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Gerardo Nieto’s team is conducting research on the Valle de Bravo reservoir to contribute to the understanding of hydroecosystems in Mexico and their role in climate change mitigation.
