How Climate Change Affects Ocean Life
Climate change is changing the way life in our oceans works. Let’s break down how it does this:
Warmer Waters: Since the 1950s, the oceans have become warmer by about 0.13 degrees Celsius each decade. This increase in temperature affects where different sea creatures live and how they interact with each other.
Ocean Acidification: As more carbon dioxide (CO₂) enters the atmosphere, it makes the ocean more acidic. Since before the Industrial Revolution, the acidity of surface ocean waters has increased, making it harder for animals like coral and shellfish to build their shells and skeletons.
Changes in the Food Chain: The amount of tiny plants in the ocean, called phytoplankton, is changing. When these small plants are affected, the bigger animals that rely on them for food can decline by as much as 50% in some areas.
These changes can disturb the natural balance of ocean ecosystems. This can lead to surprising effects on the variety of life in the ocean and how productive these environments are.
How Climate Change Affects Ocean Life
Climate change is changing the way life in our oceans works. Let’s break down how it does this:
Warmer Waters: Since the 1950s, the oceans have become warmer by about 0.13 degrees Celsius each decade. This increase in temperature affects where different sea creatures live and how they interact with each other.
Ocean Acidification: As more carbon dioxide (CO₂) enters the atmosphere, it makes the ocean more acidic. Since before the Industrial Revolution, the acidity of surface ocean waters has increased, making it harder for animals like coral and shellfish to build their shells and skeletons.
Changes in the Food Chain: The amount of tiny plants in the ocean, called phytoplankton, is changing. When these small plants are affected, the bigger animals that rely on them for food can decline by as much as 50% in some areas.
These changes can disturb the natural balance of ocean ecosystems. This can lead to surprising effects on the variety of life in the ocean and how productive these environments are.