The climate is experiencing severe changes that are causing significant impacts on marine life, as outlined in the recent study titled “Climate Risk Index for Marine Life”. The new index provides information on the risks posed to nearly 25,000 marine species and their ecosystems due to climatic changes. This informative tool forms the foundation for climate-smart approaches to handle and conserve marine life.
The Worrying Findings
One of the key findings of the study is the alteration of Marine Ecosystems. Ocean warming and climate extremes are pushing species towards cooler, deeper, and more northern locations, leading to significant changes in their behavior and the reconfiguration of marine ecosystems.
Under a high emissions scenario, the study found that the average ocean temperature globally could increase by 3-5 degrees Celsius by 2100. If this scenario occurs, nearly 90% of the studied 25,000 species face a “high” or “critical” climate risk and their geographic ranges significantly decrease.
Certain ecosystems, particularly subtropical and tropical ones, which are typically biodiversity hotspots, experience the highest risk. Top predators such as sharks and tunas are at a significantly greater risk than species lower down the food chain, such as forage fishes. These predators play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem structure and function.
Impact on Low-Income Nations
Amplifying the situation is the fact that under high emission scenarios, the climate risks are consistently greater within the territories of low-income nations, where dependence on fisheries for nutritional needs is high.
This showcases an unfortunate example of climate inequality. Low-income countries have contributed the least to climate change yet experience its worst impacts while having limited capacity to adapt.
Hope under Low Emissions Scenario
A silver lining exists under the low emissions scenario. This scenario, which aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius, anticipates an average increase of 1-2 degrees Celsius in ocean temperatures by 2100.
Under this outcome, there is a reduced climate risk for virtually all marine life (98.2 %). The disproportionate risk for ecosystem structure, biodiversity, fisheries, and low-income nations are greatly reduced or eliminated.
Suggestions for a Sustainable Path
The study suggests that choosing a more sustainable path that prioritizes climate mitigation will result in clear benefits for ocean life and people. Reducing emissions is identified as the most direct method to decrease climate risks.
Simultaneously, it is crucial to find methods to adapt to the changing climate to protect our oceans. This entails the incorporation of new methods and adaptation strategies, the development of capacity in under-resourced parts of the world, and a careful examination of the advantages and disadvantages of various adaptation measures.
In essence, the “Climate Risk Index for Marine Life” presents a stark picture of the potential implications of climate change on marine ecosystems and highlights the urgency of action to mitigate these risks.