Our warming planet is causing major changes to our oceans. According to new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change, warming waters are drastically altering the biodiversity in our oceans.
In fact, these changes are more extreme than anything our planet has seen in 3 million years. And, it's only going to get worse as our planet gets even hotter. While some may claim that it's no big deal if species migrate to new areas, scientists warn that such drastic changes could disrupt the entire ocean ecosystem.
In order to test their theory, scientists at the National Center for Science Research in France developed what they called a “pseudo-species model,” to see how different species would react to warmer oceans.
The researchers could then compare those reactions to different times in our planet's history. According to that analysis, researchers said that in the most dramatic warming scenario – the so-called “do-nothing” scenario – about 70 percent of the marine life in our oceans would change.
Even less dire warning scenarios, about half of all ocean life will have to relocate, adapt, or die off. When species suddenly vanish from their historic habitat, the functions that they served in that environment can disappear as well.
Ecosystems that rely on symbiotic relationships can be thrown out of balance, and other species could be forced to move or die as well. And, some marine life – like coral – can't just get up and move.
If you think this isn't important, you need to think again. Our oceans are the lifeblood of our planet. They are the primary force behind our weather and our climate, and they are the main source of food for millions of people all over the world.
Changes to our marine life mean changes to human life. It doesn't matter whether you live in the mid-west or the Middle East, life as you know it would not exist without our oceans.
-Thom
(What do you think? Tell us
here.)
