- Ocean acidification: The ocean absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which causes the ocean to become more acidic. This is having a profound impact on marine life, particularly on animals such as corals, which rely on a certain pH level to build their skeletons and shells.
- Sea level rise: As global temperatures rise, ice caps and glaciers melt and are cause sea levels to rise. This puts coastal communities and critical habitats at risk.
- Warmer waters: Rising sea surface temperatures are causing the world’s oceans to become warmer, which is has a significant impact on marine ecosystems. For example, warmer waters can lead to coral bleaching, which can kill off entire coral reefs and the thousands of species that depend on them.
- Changing ocean currents: Climate change causes changes in ocean currents, which has a major impact on marine ecosystems. For example, changes in the Gulf Stream could lead to the loss of important fish stocks and other marine species.
Climate change is the most pressing ocean conservation issue of our time. Concerted global efforts are needed to reduce carbon emissions, protect critical marine habitats, and support the development of more sustainable practices for using and conserving our oceans.
Photo Credit: the Ocean Bank