Understanding How Climate Change is Upending Our Beloved Oceans

Dear Harmony Seekers,

As we continue to learn about the problems facing our oceans, I invite you to join me in exploring a topic of critical importance — ocean climate change.

The Ocean’s Role in Our Climate

The ocean is a vital regulator of Earth’s climate, absorbing approximately 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. However, this immense carbon sink comes at a cost—as carbon dioxide levels rise, the ocean becomes more acidic and hot, threatening the delicate balance of marine life.

Impact of Rising Sea Temperature

Rising sea temperatures are causing widespread coral bleaching. These events devastate vibrant coral reefs, which serve as the lifeblood of countless marine species. It’s estimated that over 50% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost in the past 30 years.

Increasing ocean temperatures are also melting the polar ice caps, contributing to sea-level rise and posing imminent threats to coastal areas, indigenous communities, and ecosystems around the globe. The impacts of sea-level rise have arrived and are already being felt, with increased flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.

Furthermore, shifts in ocean currents and circulation patterns have altered global weather systems, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events such as hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones.

Ocean Climate Change Statistics

Here are some additional eye-opening facts to help you understand how pervasive the effects of climate change indeed are:

• The ocean has absorbed around 30% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released by human activities, leading to ocean acidification.
• The ocean has absorbed around 90% of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gasses, leading to unprecedented ocean warming and causing ocean temperatures to rise by 0.1 degrees Celsius per decade on average since 1970.
• The global sea level has risen by around 3.2 millimeters per year over the past two decades.
• According to a 2018 study published in Science, the global fishing fleet is 2.5 times larger than what the ocean can sustainably support.

A 2019 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that the ocean is experiencing severe impacts from climate change, and urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changes underway.

What to do!

Despite these facts, there is cause for hope. We can chart a course toward a more resilient and sustainable future through collective action and stewardship. Here are a few ways we can make a difference:

• Reduce our carbon footprint by embracing renewable energy sources, conserving energy, and advocating climate-friendly policies.
• Support conservation efforts to protect and restore vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as coral reef restoration projects and coastal habitat conservation.
• Educate ourselves and others about the impacts of ocean climate change, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
• Read the latest report from Break Free from Plastic, write to the 56 leading plastic polluters, and demand they change their policies and reduce plastic pollution.
• Sign this petition to Global Leaders: No Plastic in Nature.

Our oceans’ and planet’s fate lies in our hands.

Together, let’s end plastic pollution!

— Pete Guinosso
Blue Harmony