The oceans, Earth’s great bodies of water, help keep the climate stable by stopping dramatic temperature changes with their ability to slowly absorb and release heat. They also provide a home to millions of marine ecosystems. However, lately, this great safe-haven is being threatened by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. (1)

In the past 50 years, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have soared from 278 ppm to a record-high of 400 ppm. A very large portion of this carbon dioxide does not stay in the atmosphere but instead, descends and is absorbed by the oceans. (1)

Professor Hans-Otto Portner, a researcher at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, said, “To date, the oceans have essentially been the planet’s refrigerator and carbon dioxide storage locker. For instance, since the 1970s they’ve absorbed roughly 93 percent of the additional heat produced by the greenhouse effect, greatly helping to slow the warming of our planet.” However, large storage of carbon dioxide in the oceans has had its effects on marine life. (1)

The rising temperature level of the oceans has forced many species to migrate closer to the poles. However, even the ice at the poles is melting, making water levels rise. Because marine ecosystems affect and connect terrestrial life, the consequences of an over-emission of greenhouse gases may be too large to predict. (1)

Coastal Protection and fisheries have already been affected by the warming of the ocean due to increased carbon dioxide levels. The movement of marine life towards warmer waters has forced populations reliant on these sea creatures for food to also migrate, infringing on other populations and consequently causing food shortages. (2)

Researchers have found that if the air temperature rises no more than two degrees between before the year 2100, the oceans will be able to handle the climate change relatively well. Achieving such a small temperature change would require an immediate and significant cutback on carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. (1)

There are many concerns to cutting back on these emissions, though. Electricity, transportation, and industry are three large emitters of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. But they could also arguably be considered necessary to living in the modern world. Is it a feasible plan to consider drastically cutting back on carbon dioxide emissions? (1)

Researchers would like society to think about the bigger picture but cutting CO2 emissions enough to make a difference could have an equally harmful backlash. (1)

 

References:

1. J.P. Gattuso et al. Contrasting futures for ocean and society from different anthropogenic CO₂emissions scenarios. (2015, July 3) Science, 349(6243). Retrieved from http://www.sciencemag.org/content/349/6243/aac4722

2. Alfred Wegener Company.(2015, July 3). The oceans can’t take any more: Fundamental change in oceans predicted. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150703135248.htm