How do climate change and ocean acidification affect marine life?

Climate change and ocean acidification have significant impacts on marine life, threatening the health and stability of marine ecosystems worldwide. As the Earth's temperature rises due to global warming, the oceans are absorbing much of the excess heat, leading to warming seas and disruptions in marine habitats. This increased heat can cause shifts in marine species distributions, altered breeding and feeding patterns, and even the loss of critical habitats like coral reefs.

Effects of climate change and ocean acidification on marine life

Ocean acidification, a result of increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere being absorbed by the oceans, poses a serious threat to marine life. Acidifying oceans can harm the growth and survival of marine organisms such as corals, shellfish, and plankton, which form the base of the marine food chain. Coral reefs, in particular, are vulnerable to bleaching and destruction due to the combined impacts of warming seas and ocean acidification.

Mitigating the threats to marine life

To mitigate the threats posed by climate change and ocean acidification to marine life, urgent action is needed to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming. Conservation efforts to protect marine habitats, including the establishment of marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, and efforts to promote biodiversity and resilience in marine ecosystems, are crucial for the adaptation and survival of marine species in a changing environment.