Oceans and climate change- A matter of concern

Oceans are an essential component of the Earth's ecosystem - a source of biodiversity, food, and life. With every drop of water we drink, every breath we take, we are connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth we live.

Ocean’s play an important role in Climate regulation. A quarter of all the carbon dioxide that humans put into the atmosphere is absorbed by ocean. Unfortunately, the ocean is being disproportionately impacted by increasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

We often believe that oceans are vast and we wouldn’t be affected by human activities. But our activities are causing a rise in ocean water temperature, ocean acidification and deoxygenation, leading to changes in oceanic circulation and chemistry, rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, as well as changes in the diversity and abundance of marine species.

The key impacts of climate change on the marine environment are

Ocean acidification

Ocean acidification" is defined by a decrease in pH, the unit for measuring the acidity of a liquid. 

Acidification directly harms the many ocean plants and animals that build shells of calcium carbonate—including many corals, lobsters and crabs, and some microscopic plankton that make up the foundation of the food web throughout the ocean. Many of these shell-forming organisms provide critical habitat and food sources for other organisms.

The effects of ocean acidification decrease population sizes of marine life and may cause an economic disruption if enough fish die off, which can seriously harm the global economy as the fishing industry makes a lot of money worldwide.

PC : wikimedia

Ocean warming

Warmer waters cause coral bleaching, which in turn impacts coral reef ecosystems that are home to most of the ocean’s biodiversity — and provide crucial sources of food for people. Recent years have seen widespread and severe coral bleaching episodes around the world, with coral mortality reaching 70% in some regions.

Research indicates that increasing ocean temperatures are taking a toll on the marine ecosystem. For the 3 billion people worldwide who rely on fish as their chief source of protein, the prospect of fewer and smaller fish in the sea is bad news.Research indicates

Rising sea levels

So what can we do about this ? . Government, individuals all need to work together to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases.

1.       The amount of future climate change will largely be determined by choices society makes about emissions. Globally ambitious efforts are needed to reduce the use of fossil fuels, increase the use of renewable energy systems and enhance energy efficiency.

2.       Promote actives such as restoration of wetlands, planting new forests and reforestation

3.       Ban destructive fishing techniques and  End illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

4.       Ensure the proper disposal, treatment and handling of garbage and sewage

5.       The saying "reduce, re-use, recycle" also applies here.

6.       Using public transportation and Driving less

7.       Protecting wildlife and endangered species

8.       We must consider climate impacts to our ocean and its services when formulating and implementing climate goals. Countries can also develop policies and ensure the implementation of sustainable practices in all industries that impact the ocean and coasts, including fisheries and the tourism industry.

With every breath we take, every drop of water we drink, we are dependent on the existence of Earth’s living ocean

regards

Arjun Anand