with researchers across the globe studying ocean dynamics and environmental flows. A key aspect of this work is how the movement of pollutants is controlled by invisible structures, called Lagrangian coherent structures. The ability to identify where pollutants, whether oil from a spill or debris from a tsunami, may damage a coastline can enable better and earlier disaster response.“

Anti-pollution campaigners say it is far easier to deal with plastic before it enters waterways than it is to clean it up afterward.

Eriksen, the study's lead author, said research into plastics pollution had in recent years started to shift away from oceans and move farther upstream, to rivers and other waterways, as advocates struggled to understand the issue at its origin.

"The plastic pollution, it's in every biome," he said. "It's not just in oceans anymore."

The trillions of plastic particles - a "plastic smog," in the words of the researchers - weigh roughly 2.4 million metric tons and are doubling about every six years, according to the study conducted by a team of international researchers led by Marcus Eriksen of the 5 Gyres Institute, based in Santa Monica, Calif.

That is more than 21,000 pieces of plastic for each of the Earth's 8 billion residents. Most pieces are very small."

Calculate and understand how much plastic you use on a daily basis. Being aware of your consumables is the best first step.

Say no to plastic bags and bring your own reusable bag to the grocery store. Regardless of Florida law, we can all do our part by not using plastic bags.

Carry a reusable water bottle with you and recognize the types of containers your fluids are coming in. Recycle plastic bottles once they are used.

Make a conscious effort or resolution to use less plastic. Then promote and share your concerns and changes with others."

Heat stress is also costly to livestock farmers. The dairy industry is particularly vulnerable to heat conditions, with milk production decreasing in the face of heat stress (West 2003).

The sector is already incurring major heat-related losses, and these are expected to continue to increase as temperatures rise (Key, Sneeringer, and Marquardt 2014). Heat stress already costs the average American dairy an estimated $39,000 annually. By 2030, it is estimated that, as a result of a warmer climate, the average dairy will lose an additional $2,000 and $5,000 every year using 2010 prices), costs that will be passed on to consumers (Key, Sneeringer, and Marquardt 2014)."

The organization plans to work towards further and more rapid development of water conservation technology, increased access to water, increased funding for university and national laboratories, development of international collaborations, and public/private partnerships."