Climate change is causing the world’s oceans to warm and become more acidic, which is having dire consequences for marine life. Rising temperatures are causing species to shift habitats and corals to bleach, while ocean acidification is making it difficult for many creatures to build and maintain shells and exoskeletons. Scientists predict that ocean acidification may increase by 150% by the end of the century, which could have a devastating impact on marine ecosystems. Mitigating measures include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving monitoring systems, and establishing marine reserves and protected areas for marine life.
Introduction
Climate change is arguably the most pressing issue of contemporary times. Its impacts on the environment are not just limited to polar ice caps, but extend to oceans and marine life around the world. Thus, it is crucial to understand the effects of climate change on our oceans and marine creatures, as it may have far-reaching consequences for the natural world and humankind. This article delves into this topic and explores what happens when climate change affects the ocean and marine life.
Oceans and Climate Change
Climate change is characterized by global warming, which increases the temperature of the atmosphere, land, and water. The ocean absorbs a significant proportion of the extra heat produced by global warming. It is estimated that the oceans have absorbed around 90% of the excess heat generated due to human activities, making them warmer and more acidic, thereby having adverse effects on marine life.
Warming Oceans
The oceans have warmed up around 0.8 °C since the pre-industrial era, and studies suggest that it may continue to warm up at a faster rate. Warming of the ocean has several impacts on marine life. Firstly, it can shift the species, as different species require specific temperatures to survive or breed. Many species, including fish, are moving their habitats to cooler waters, which is having cascading effects on food chains and the ecosystem in general.
Moreover, the warming of the ocean can cause the decline of nutrients required for phytoplankton, which is at the base of the marine food chain. This lack of food can harm zooplankton and small fishes that feed on them, leading to mass mortality of fishes and other marine creatures. Additionally, warmer oceans can lead to coral bleaching, as corals are delicate ecosystems that are highly sensitive to temperature changes, which makes them more prone to diseases and death.
Ocean Acidification
Another significant effect of climate change on our oceans is the increasing acidification of the water. The ocean absorbs one-quarter of the carbon dioxide released by human activities. This CO2 dissolves in seawater, making it more acidic, lowering the pH level of the water.
Scientists predict that by the end of this century, the ocean’s acidity may increase by 150%, which would be faster than any seen in twenty million years. The more acidic the oceans become, the more it affects the ability of marine creatures, including mollusks, crustaceans, and plankton, to build and maintain their shells and exoskeletons. This acidification can make it difficult for mariners to maintain balance and buoyancy, which can have long-lasting effects on the ecosystem.
FAQs
What are some of the impacts of climate change on the ecosphere of oceans?
Some of the impacts of climate change on oceans include warming up, ocean acidification, rising sea levels, ocean currents changing, and increases in extreme weather events like cyclones and hurricanes.
What are some of the marine creatures that are worst affected by climate change?
The marine creatures that are worst affected are coral reefs, polar bears, penguins, krill, phytoplankton, and tuna.
Are there any effects of climate change on the oceans’ coastline?
Yes, climate change also affects the coastline of oceans. Rising sea levels and increased ocean temperature, combined with extreme weather events, lead to erosion along sandy beaches and coastal cliffs.
What measures can we take to combat the effects of climate change on oceans and marine life?
There are several measures we can take to reduce the effects of climate change on the oceans and marine life. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving oil-spill response mechanisms, establishing marine reserves and protected areas for marine life, reducing overfishing, and improving ocean monitoring systems.
Conclusion
The world’s oceans and marine life are adversely affected by the impacts of climate change. With warming oceans and increasing acidification, several marine creatures are now struggling to survive. It is crucial to take measures to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving ocean monitoring systems, and establishing marine reserves and protected areas for marine life. We must act now to protect our oceans and marine creatures for future generations.
