IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON MARINE ECOSYSTEM

April 27, 2019

According to the research study published in the journal Nature and conducted at Rutgers University in the US, Global warming hits sea creatures hardest.

About: 

  • The research is the first to compare cold-blooded marine and land species' sensitivity to warming and their ability to find refuge from the heat while staying in their normal habitats. 

  • Key finding: According to the study, global warming hits sea creatures hardest. Ocean-dwelling species are two times more likely to be wiped out due to global warming than life on land. 

  • Reason: Many land animals can hide from the heat in forests, shaded areas or underground, a luxury not open to many sea animals. 

  • Impact: The loss of a population can deplete the species' genetic diversity, have cascading impacts on their predators and prey and may significantly impact human communities that rely on fish and shellfish for food and economic activity. 

  • Way ahead: New conservation efforts will be needed if the ocean is going to continue supporting human well-being, nutrition and economic activity.