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Global Climate Change and the Ocean

The Ocean Rules Climate … Climate Rules the Ocean

The ocean is the engine that drives our planet’s climate. It is our life support system, providing much of the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the resources we depend on for life every day. The ocean is essential for life.

Unfortunately, the ocean will be the first ecosystem to suffer widespread effects of global climate change. Increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose major threats to our ocean as well as our atmosphere. Widespread effects brought on by higher air and water temperatures include loss of sea ice, sea level rise, extreme weather events, and harmful changes to marine fish and wildlife populations. Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide will lead to acidification of ocean water, threatening many ocean organisms, particularly corals and important species at the base of the ocean food web.

The picture is grim, but ultimately, this is a message of hope because the will to act and the solutions are the products of knowledge. It is not too late to act. The big question remains will our federal government provide the vision and leadership we need, or will that role fall to the States and world leaders?

Ocean Conservancy has documented here a few of the most serious consequences of global warming for the ocean.

• A Warmer Ocean
• Melting Ice
• Threats to Ocean Life
• A Rising Sea
• Acidifying Seawater
• Retreating Coral Reefs
• Ecosystems on the Move
• Storms Intensifying
• Climate Change Accelerating
• Solutions: A Ray of Hope

© Copyright 2010 Ocean Conservancy
The Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup and Ocean Action Network are registered trademarks of Ocean Conservancy.

Visit www.oceanconservancy.org/contactus for regional office addresses and email information.

Printed on , © Copyright 2010 Ocean Conservancy
The Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup and Ocean Action Network are registered trademarks of Ocean Conservancy.

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