Shocking Facts About The Effects of Global Warming in the Ocean

The increase of temperature in our world's waters is one of the contributory factors to why our marine life's population is rapidly declining. Although you may not like it, global warming has worsened. For humans, it doesn't sound surprising as they have lived with it for quite some time now and are the most significant contributors to global warming in the ocean and the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, as long as people repeatedly do the same activities, it wouldn't take long for our marine population to become extinct. For the last two decades, global warming has been one of the most significant environmental issues humans have faced. 

So, if you want to know some of the shocking facts about the effects of global warming on the ocean, we'll list them down for you to better understand how this problem can have a considerable impact on our marine life and humans. 

4 Worrying Facts On The Effects Of Global Warming In The Ocean

There are so many reasons why global warming is still present today and still wreaks havoc on Earth's waters. Here are some worrying facts about global warming in the ocean.

1. Higher Ocean Temperatures Are Bad For Them - And For Us

Global warming is the rise in temperature in all of Earth's waters, and it has cascading effects on our marine life. For example, when global water temperature increases, coral bleaching can be experienced by marine life all over Earth's coral reefs; when this happens, it can affect the biodiversity of marine life living within these coral regions. 

Warmer waters might also cause global migration as marine life might find better nesting grounds as warmer waters aren't suitable for spawning eggs and feeding their young. It can also alter habitat, as evidenced by the migration of tuna going to the east of the Pacific; this mass migration can lead to a rapid decline in economies wherein they rely on tunas for food exportation. 

The increase in water temperature can also lead to other species having a stunted growth as they rely on cooler waters for their development and growth. As water temperature increases, it might not be the best scenario for cephalopods such as octopus and squid and other types of fish.

2. Affecting The Chemistry Of Seawater

When humans are constantly using fossil fuels, it can also alter the Earth's seawater chemistry. Did you know that the ocean absorbs 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere? And when the water absorbs it, it is dissolved and forms the compound carbonic acid. 

Too much acidity in the ocean adversely affects our marine life, especially species that use calcium carbonate to make their shells, such as lobsters, crabs, mollusks, and other microscopic creatures. They are also the foundation of food throughout our ocean, which means almost all marine life's diet is centered around it. So if they are affected, it will have a ripple effect throughout marine life.

3. Global Warming Alters The Ocean's Current

Global warming alters the acidity of the ocean's water, but it can also affect the current. But, how does it affect the ocean's current? As we've mentioned earlier, when acidity is altered, it can make various changes on species' migratory patterns. The same can be said for changing the current; when current changes, it can also have disastrous effects on species who rely on current to disperse their eggs. 

The changing current doesn't only affect marine life but also humanity. When current changes, so do climate. For you to be able to get a better picture out of this, Europe, as we all know, has relatively milder weather than the rest of the world; that climate is maintained by the Atlantic current called Gulf Stream, which at the same time is also experiencing a remarkable slowdown. 

If it alters the current entirely, it will have massive implications worldwide. Furthermore, sudden changes in current can affect an area. For example, if one area is experiencing more rain than the others, it will negatively affect its surroundings and wildlife. These are not only harsh ramifications for wildlife but also humanity as well.

4. Melting Of Polar Ice

This is one of the effects of global warming in the ocean. As the ocean warms, so does the rapid melting of the polar ice in all world regions. Whether it's in the Arctic or Antarctica, they showcase unprecedented meltdown of ice caps within its area. Effects on species such as polar bears' global warming are well-documented. However, some problems pose harm to various species living in these regions. Including:

• Antarctic Krill is a significant food source for many mammals and birds within the region; as these regions' temperatures rise, it can affect the rapid decline of the krill population in the area. As a result, many species will undergo mass migration as krill in the area isn't sufficient as food competition also stiffens.
• The constant melting of ice also means that habitat for seals, walruses, polar bears, and penguins are also dwindling. The same can be said with other megafauna. 
• Production of algae is greatly affected. Algae is the foundation of the food web in a marine ecosystem, and they rely heavily on the presence of sea ice. As the temperature rises, so does algae, which will have a ripple effect on various organisms ranging from the Arctic Cod to seals, and whales down to polar bears.

Wrapping Things Up

Fortunately, all hope is not lost! There are still plenty of things we can do to save our marine life and limit any amount of carbon being emitted into the Earth's atmosphere. The warming of Earth's temperature affects the animal kingdom and humanity. And that is why we, as humans, should do everything to limit the burning of fossil fuels and lean more on renewable energy to save this planet.

Lastly, various organizations are paving the way to limit single-use plastics and the burning of fossil fuels across the globe. We must support these conservation programs to support them in preventing the negative effects of global warming in the ocean. Change starts within oneself, and if you can help Earth in your little way, it will go a long way in helping this world be a better place for centuries to come. 

By supporting us here at ATOLEA, you are also taking a big part in saving the ocean from the harmful effects of global warming. 

Every profit we make from your purchase on our Ocean-inspired jewelry, part of it goes to Ocean conservation that is missioned save the marine life.

So check out on our wide selection of ATOLEA Sea-inspired Jewelry now and start wearing your love for the Ocean!