Climate change poses a significant threat not only to land-dwelling animals but also to those in the oceans. Since 2009, approximately 14% of coral reefs have been destroyed, which serve as habitats for a quarter of marine life.

The rising temperature of the oceans, fueled by increased carbon dioxide absorption, has led to various challenges for marine life, such as coral bleaching and fish migration towards northern regions.

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, approximately 1,550 marine species are currently on the verge of extinction due to climate change.

Additionally, ocean salinity has increased by 4% due to climate change, posing potential harm to marine ecosystems. In this blog, we will delve into the effects of climate change on marine life ecosystems, explore the underlying causes, and discuss potential solutions.

How Climate Change Affects Marine Life Ecosystem

Let’s begin by exploring the concept of climate change.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to the gradual alteration in Earth’s climate patterns and temperatures over an extended period. This phenomenon gives rise to various adverse events such as rising sea levels, droughts, floods, snowmelt, and extreme weather conditions, alongside shifts in rainfall patterns. 

According to data from NASA, Earth’s average temperature has increased by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1880, a trend contributing to the escalation of climate change. A study conducted by Reuters predicts an annual GDP loss of 4% by 2050 solely attributable to climate change.

Now, let’s delve into how climate change is impacting marine ecosystems.

Rising Temperatures

Over the past century, global sea temperatures have surged by 1.5 degrees Celsius. As reported by The New York Times, intense heat waves have led to the demise of approximately 1 billion marine creatures, including barnacles, hermit crabs, and sea cucumbers.

Elevated sea temperatures result in reduced oxygen levels, creating what is termed ‘dead zones’ where marine life struggles to survive and often perishes due to suffocation. Additionally, some species are forced to migrate from their habitats in search of more hospitable conditions.

The increased temperatures also accelerate the metabolism of many marine organisms, necessitating higher energy requirements. Consequently, weakened immune systems render these creatures more vulnerable, leading to diminished survival rates.

Furthermore, elevated temperatures foster the proliferation of pathogens and bacteria, posing significant threats to marine life. Coral bleaching, a consequence of high temperatures, devastates coral reefs, critical habitats for a quarter of marine species. 

Acidification

As carbon dioxide levels rise in the atmosphere, the ocean absorbs more of it, causing the ocean’s pH to drop and become more acidic. This acidity leads to a decrease in carbonate ions, which are essential for the bone structure of various marine creatures.

With less carbonate available in the ocean, species such as corals, oysters, mussels, and certain plankton struggle to develop strong shells and skeletons. This vulnerability increases their susceptibility to diseases and makes them more vulnerable to predators.

Moreover, the acidification of the ocean diminishes the ability of many fish and invertebrates to use their sense of smell effectively, making it harder for them to locate prey.

Altered Ocean Currents and Weather Patterns

Climate change impacts ocean currents, which are crucial for marine animals like turtles, fish, and whales to navigate during migration. This can lead to an increased risk of these creatures becoming disoriented and traveling in the wrong direction.

These currents also play a vital role in distributing nutrients and plankton throughout the ocean, forming the foundation of the marine food chain. However, as currents shift due to climate change, the food chain can be disrupted, potentially causing shortages in areas where food was once abundant. This puts the entire ecosystem at risk of starvation.

Furthermore, climate change contributes to the occurrence of severe storms at sea, leading to the destruction of important marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. This further exacerbates the impacts on marine life and the health of the ocean ecosystem.

Biodiversity Loss

Rising sea temperatures lead to coral bleaching, a phenomenon where coral reefs expel the symbiotic algae they depend on. This bleaching weakens the corals, making them more susceptible to diseases and ultimately causing their death.

Additionally, coral reefs provide habitat for a significant portion of marine life, making them crucial ecosystems. Consequently, the impacts of coral bleaching extend beyond the corals themselves, affecting countless organisms and leading to the extinction of many species due to habitat loss.

The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels results in the ocean absorbing more carbon dioxide, leading to acidification. This acidification poses challenges for shellfish and corals, hindering their ability to build their skeletons and contributing to their decline.

Furthermore, warmer seawater holds less dissolved oxygen, creating dead zones that disrupt the food web and the overall balance of the ecosystem. These interconnected factors highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

Rising Sea Level

As temperatures continue to climb, glaciers melt and sea levels surge, posing a threat to vital coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These habitats serve as crucial breeding, feeding, and nursery grounds for a multitude of marine life. The repercussions of their destruction ripple throughout the entire marine ecosystem, affecting a wide array of species.

The significance of this issue cannot be overstated. Countless marine species, particularly those with limited mobility reliant on specific coastal environments for their survival, face dire consequences due to coastal disruption. The loss of these habitats disrupts intricate ecological balances, putting additional stress on already vulnerable populations.

Solution 

The pressing concern now revolves around how we can safeguard marine life from the adverse impacts of climate change. The ocean confronts significant challenges such as coral bleaching, species depletion, and the emergence of dead zones, all attributed to rising temperatures.

The primary drivers of Earth’s temperature increase are two greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide and methane. The energy sector and animal agriculture are the major contributors to these emissions. Approximately 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions stem from the energy sector, with animal agriculture contributing around 14%.

To mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector, it’s imperative to curtail consumption. Similarly, addressing emissions from animal agriculture entails transitioning to plant-based diets, which can effectively reduce methane emissions. Reducing our carbon footprints emerges as a critical strategy in combating climate change.

By addressing these key contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, we can take significant steps toward preserving marine ecosystems and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our oceans.

Conclusion 

In summary, we must recognize our roles in combating climate change to safeguard both humanity and the diverse array of life on our planet. We must question whether it’s ethical to sacrifice innocent marine and other animals for our momentary pleasures, considering the future we’re crafting for our children. Taking responsibility for our actions is paramount, as our collective indulgences have placed entire species at risk.

The initial step towards addressing this crisis begins with introspection. Each of us bears a share of responsibility for the environmental degradation we witness. It’s essential to rein in our indulgent behaviors and confront the significant contributor to climate change which is animal agriculture. Embracing a plant-based lifestyle is a tangible way to mitigate this impact and pave the path towards a more sustainable future for all.

More for you:

How Does Climate Change Affect Animals? 

FAQ