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Wwf marine problems climate change
- 1. Our Earth Oceans, seas & coasts Problems Unsustainable fishing Inadequate protection Tourism & coastal development Shipping Oil & gas Pollution Aquaculture Climate change © WWF The marine environment is already registering the impacts of climate change. The current increase in global temperature of 0.7°C since pre-industrial times is disrupting life in the oceans, from the tropics to the poles. Marine species affected by climate change include plankton - which forms the basis of marine food chains - corals, fish, polar bears, walruses, seals, sea lions, penguins, and seabirds. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts a further rise of between 1.4°C and 5.8°C by the end of the century. Climate change could therefore well be the knock-out punch for many species which are already under stress from overfishing and habitat loss. The key impacts of climate change on the marine environment are... WWF - Marine problems: climate change http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/problems/climate_ch... 1 of 7 10/08/2015 5:53 PM
- 2. One of the most visually dramatic effects of climate change is coral bleaching, a stress response caused by high water temperatures that can lead to coral death. Recent years have seen widespread and severe coral bleaching episodes around the world, with coral mortality reaching 70% in some regions. More on coral bleaching Most scientists believe that global warming will herald a new era of extreme and unpredictable weather. Tropical storms and heavier rainfall may increase and so too would the consequent physical damage to coral reefs, other coastal ecosystems, and coastal communities. Hurricanes Hugo and Marilyn hit the US Virgin Islands National Park in 1989 and 1995, respectively, and did massive damage to coral ecosystems. More on extreme weather As the oceans warm, the location of the ideal water temperature may shift for many species. A study has shown that fish in the North Sea have moved further north or into deeper water in response to rising sea temperatures. Other species may lose their homes for other reasons. The distribution of penguin species in the Antarctic Peninsula region, for example, is changing with reductions in sea ice due to global warming. More on the impact of climate change on species WWF - Marine problems: climate change http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/problems/climate_ch... 2 of 7 10/08/2015 5:53 PM
- 3. © WWF / Tom Arnbom © WWF / Jürgen FREUND Changes to marine ecosystems from rising global temperatures will have an impact on walrus and other marine mammals. Rising temperatures can directly affect the metabolism, life cycle, and behaviour of marine species. For many species, temperature serves as a cue for reproduction. Clearly, changes in sea temperature could affect their successful breeding. The number of male and female offspring is determined by temperature for marine turtles, as well as some fish and copepods (tiny shrimp-like animals on which many other marine animals feed). Changing climate could therefore skew sex ratios and threaten population survival. WWF - Marine problems: climate change http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/problems/climate_ch... 3 of 7 10/08/2015 5:53 PM
- 4. © WWF / Martin HARVEY Global sea levels may rise by as much as 69cm during the next 100 years due to melting of glaciers and polar ice, and thermal expansion of warmer water. Rising water levels will have serious impacts on marine ecosystems. The amount of light reaching offshore plants and algae dependent on photosynthesis could be reduced, while coastal habitats are already being flooded. Rapid sea level rise will likely be the greatest climate change challenge to mangrove ecosystems, which require stable sea levels for long-term survival. More on rising sea levels Vertical mixing in the ocean is important for many reasons, including WWF - Marine problems: climate change http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/problems/climate_ch... 4 of 7 10/08/2015 5:53 PM
- 5. transporting nutrients from deep to shallow waters, and surface water rich in oxygen into deeper waters. In some areas, changes to ocean temperature profiles induced by climate change are causing a reduction in the amount of mixing, and for example, reducing oxygen levels at depth. After absorbing a large proportion of the carbon dioxide released by human activities, the oceans are becoming acidic. If it weren’t for the oceans, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would be much higher. The effect could be that fish, squid, and other gilled marine animals may find it harder to "breathe", as the dissolved oxygen essential for their life becomes difficult to extract as water becomes more acidic. And shellfish, crabs, lobsters, and corals may find it more difficult to build their calcium carbonate shells. In some areas, calcium carbonate shells may even start to dissolve. WWF - Marine problems: climate change http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/problems/climate_ch... 5 of 7 10/08/2015 5:53 PM
- 6. español Jobs Contact Global Initiatives Priority Species Biodiversity Species Take Action Live Green Tigers Elephants Rhinos Gorilla Giant panda Critical species Subscribe Privacy Policy Help prevent a coral catastrophe Fight the destructive harvesting and unregulated trade of one of the most attractive inhabitants of our tropical oceans. or see all WWF gifts WWF - Marine problems: climate change http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/problems/climate_ch... 6 of 7 10/08/2015 5:53 PM
- 7. History Quick facts Governance WWF Offices & Associates Priority Places Reducing Impacts How We Do This Why We Do This Working with business Climate Forests Oceans, seas & coasts Rivers, lakes & wetlands Places People Problems Footprint Teachers News Publications & Resources Top 5 Questions We only have one planet Donate to WWF Show your support Volunteer / Scholarships Games and Mobile Apps Green Books Success Stories Publications & Factsheets For Journalists Watch Videos Subscribe to email newsletter Business news From other environmental organisations WWF Awards Using & Sharing Site Content Web Tools Contact Feedback Privacy Site Etiquette Site Map RSS/Web Feeds © 2015 WWF – World Wide Fund For Nature (also known as World Wildlife Fund) Creative Commons licence. Donate to WWF Your support will help us build a future where humans live in harmony with nature. $5 $15 $25 $50 Enter Yes if you accept the terms and conditions WWF - Marine problems: climate change http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/problems/climate_ch... 7 of 7 10/08/2015 5:53 PM