Oceans are key resources and a buffer against climate change, thus their health is crucial to the fight. Oceans absorb carbon dioxide, store heat, and support various ecosystems, regulating the temperature over 70% of Earth’s surface.
Our oceans and the fight against climate change
These important waterways are threatened by climate change’s rising sea temperatures, acidity, and habitat loss. Understanding the relationship between ocean health and climatic stability is crucial as the earth warms.
1. Sequester carbon
About 25% of human-emitted CO2 is absorbed by the oceans. Phytoplankton, marine plants, and algae photosynthesise CO2, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Marine ecosystems must be protected to sequester carbon and combat climate change.
2. Climate Control
Global climate is regulated by the ocean’s heat distribution. Ocean currents like the Gulf Stream carry warm water from the equator to the poles, affecting weather and climate. Rising temperatures can disrupt these currents, causing extreme weather and changing climatic patterns, emphasizing the importance of ocean health in climate stability.
3. Ocean acidification effects
Ocean acidification, which damages corals and shellfish, is caused by rising CO2 levels. Acidic seas can hinder these species’ growth and reproduction, affecting marine ecosystems and livelihoods. CO2 emissions must be reduced to fight acidification and preserve marine biodiversity.
4. Marine Ecosystem Role
Climate mitigation and adaptation depend on marine ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These habitats store blue carbon and protect coastlines from erosion and flooding. These habitats can store more carbon and support varied marine species if conserved and restored.
5. Climate Change Threats
Climate change threatens ocean health with rising water temperatures, acidity, and sea level rise. Warmer waters can bleach coral, reduce biodiversity, and change species distribution. These changes destabilize marine food webs and jeopardize millions of fishing and tourism jobs.
See more: Extreme Oceans with Cristina Mittermeier
6. Innovative Tech and Solutions
Technological advances offer new ocean management options for climate change. Environmentally friendly marine renewable energy sources like tidal and wave energy reduce fossil fuel use. Ocean-based carbon capture and storage methods are being investigated to boost carbon sequestration, showcasing the ocean’s climate solutions potential.
7. International Policy and Cooperation
Global cooperation is needed to address ocean health and climate change. The Paris Agreement emphasizes sustainable ocean protection and climate change mitigation. Ocean conservation and climate resilience strategies require collaboration between states, NGOs, and local communities.
8. Community Education and Engagement
Ocean stewardship requires awareness and community engagement. Educational programs that emphasize oceans’ role in climate change can inspire people to reduce plastic waste, support sustainable fisheries, and conserve marine life.