The climate crisis refers to the accelerating changes in the Earth's climate system. This is primarily caused by human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. The resulting increase in greenhouse gases traps an increased amount of heat, leading to global warming, rising sea levels, and more severe weather events.
This takes a toll of the saltwater biomes of earth, affecting marine life, ecosystems, and human livelihoods. Here are three specific scenarios that is caused my climate change along with their possible solutions:
Ocean acidification: Carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean increases acidity. This means that the carbonate found in marine animals like corals, mollusks, and some plankton is at lack. As a result, ocean acidification is disrupts the food chain, reduces biodiversity, and affects the economy that rely on fishing and tourism.
Solution: The major solution to this disruption is to simply reduce carbon dioxide emissions. By using cleaner energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, of course we would limit ocean acidification!
Coral bleaching: Coral reefs are under severe stress due to rising temperatures, resulting in coral bleaching. Bleaching occurs when coral expels the algae that live within their tissues, causing them to turn white, weaken, and eventually die. Coral reefs are essential to earth’s biodiversity as it is a major habitat for hundreds of species of fish and provides integrity for the landscape of the ocean.
Solution: So, to stop coral bleaching we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which will in turn, slow down the warming of the ocean, and prevent coral bleaching. As a society, we should have the Government and corporations should implement policies and practices that limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, including investing in renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.
Sea level rise: Sea level has risen about 8 inches globally since 1880 and is projected to continue rising in the future. Higher sea levels increase the risk of coastal flooding and erosion, inundating low-lying areas and displacing people, as well as harming wetlands and estuaries.
Solution: Implement coastal management strategies to adapt to sea-level rise. This includes building sea walls and levees, elevating homes and infrastructure, and restoring wetlands and other coastal ecosystems that act as natural buffers against storm surges and floods.