• The article provides an overview of the effects of climate change on ocean ecosystems.
• It looks at how rising temperatures, ocean acidification and sea level rise are impacting the health of marine life.
• It also discusses potential solutions to these problems, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing awareness of the issue.
Overview
The article gives an overview of how global climate change is affecting ocean ecosystems around the world.
Rising Temperatures
Rising temperatures in the oceans are causing coral bleaching and other damage to sensitive habitats, which can have a devastating effect on biodiversity. This has resulted in some species becoming endangered or even extinct. In addition, warmer waters can make it difficult for fish and other marine creatures to survive due to changes in food availability and habitat loss.
Ocean Acidification
As CO₂ from human activities enters the atmosphere, it is absorbed by water molecules in the oceans, resulting in increased acidity levels that can be fatal for marine life such as corals and shellfish. Ocean acidification also reduces nutrients available for other organisms in the food chain, leading to disruption of entire species populations.
Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise caused by melting glaciers and polar ice caps is causing coastal flooding and destruction of habitats along coastlines across the globe. This leads to displacement of animals living along shorelines as well as erosion of beaches and wetlands that provide important protection from storms and floods.