The oceans cover most of the planet and help regulate the climate. These bodies of water are already suffering the effects of climate change.
More than 80% of the underwater kingdom has yet to be explored. Scientists are working to unravel its mysteries, this would help to better understand environmental change and how to manage ocean resources.
The ocean is full of life, at least 230,000 known species inhabit it.
There are rare and wonderful creatures, scientists believe that between 500,000 and 1,000,000 marine animals and plants remain to be discovered. In the same way, every year researchers discover new species.
Coral bleaching
Corals become stressed due to rising temperatures and pollution expelling their algae. As these are gone, the coral fades until it appears bleached. If the temperature remains high, the algae will not be able to return and the coral will die.
Why is coral bleaching a concern?
It is concerning as when these corals die, the reefs rarely recover. The few corals that do survive struggle to reproduce, yet reef ecosystems are deteriorating.
The oceans make the Earth a habitable place for humans. Our rain, weather, drinking water, climate, coastlines, much of the food we eat and even the oxygen in the air we breathe is provided and regulated by the sea.
Highlights:
- More than three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.
- Marine fisheries directly or indirectly employ more than 200 million people.
- The sea level rose between 10 and 25 centimeters in the last 100 years.
- The oceans absorb around 30% of the carbon dioxide produced by humans, thus cushioning the impacts of global warming.
- 90 percent of marine species depend on coral reefs in one way or another.
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