Environmental Challenges and Oyster Ecosystems

The video discusses the impact of climate change on cities like New York, highlighting the increasing severity of storms and pollution. It explores New York City's unique geography as an archipelago and its historical relationship with water. The Billion Oyster Project aims to restore New York Harbor's ecosystem by reintroducing oysters, which provide numerous ecological benefits, including water filtration and habitat creation. The video concludes with a call to action for using nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges.

What are some of the major environmental challenges faced by cities like New York?

• Deforestation and air pollution

• Warming oceans and rising sea levels

• Desertification and drought

• Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

What event in 2012 highlighted New York's vulnerability to water-related disasters?

• An 1100 mile-wide hurricane

• A volcanic eruption

• A massive earthquake

• A severe drought

What was New York Harbor known for in the early 1600s?

• Its fashion industry

• Its rich marine ecosystem

• Its skyscrapers

• Its large population

How do oysters contribute to the ecosystem?

• By producing oxygen

• By building reef structures and filtering water

• By providing food for humans

• By creating new land

What role do community scientists play in the Billion Oyster Project?

• They build oyster reefs

• They conduct research and monitor oyster stations

• They manage oyster sales

• They fund the project

What is the primary goal of the Billion Oyster Project?

• To develop new fishing techniques

• To create artificial islands

• To restore a billion oysters in New York Harbor

• To build new skyscrapers

What historical activity led to the decline of oyster populations in New York Harbor?

• Introduction of invasive species

• Overfishing by the Lenape

• Industrial pollution

• Overconsumption by settlers

How do oyster reefs help protect cities from storms?

• By creating barriers against wind

• By absorbing wave and storm surge energy

• By reducing air pollution

• By increasing rainfall

What is a significant challenge in restoring oyster populations?

• Lack of suitable habitat

• High cost of restoration

• Polluted waters

• Human consumption of oysters

What is the long-term vision of the Billion Oyster Project?

• To create a tourist attraction

• To restore the harbor to its original state

• To make oysters a primary food source

• To develop new oyster species