What are the environmental impacts of climate change on oceans?.

Climate change profoundly impacts oceans, leading to several critical environmental changes:

Key Facts

• Ocean temperatures have increased by about 1.5°F (0.8°C) since the late 19th century.
• Ocean acidification has increased by approximately 30% since the beginning of the industrial era.
• Sea levels have risen an average of 3.3 millimeters per year since 1993.
• Coral reefs are projected to decline by 70-90% at 1.5°C of global warming.

Examples or Use Cases

• Coral bleaching events due to increased temperatures lead to loss of biodiversity and habitat.
• Fish populations are shifting toward cooler waters, affecting fishing industries.

FAQs

• Q: How does ocean acidification affect marine life? A: It reduces calcium carbonate availability, which many marine organisms use to build shells and skeletons.
• Q: What are the effects of rising sea levels? A: It leads to coastal erosion, increased flooding, and loss of habitat for plants, animals, and even humans.