Rising Oceans

 By: Hannah Meadows

    The ocean has been changing more and more as the climate also changes. The article, “Climate Change Indicators: Oceans” discusses these changes. The article explains that the cause of the change in the oceans is greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gasses trap energy from the sun, then the oceans absorb the heat, which results in increased sea surface temperatures and rising sea levels. If ocean temperatures continue to change and currents then it will lead to alterations in climate patterns around the world. The EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, states, “Warmer waters may promote the development of stronger storms in the tropics, which can cause property damage and loss of life.” These changes in the ocean could greatly affect people living all around the world, but especially people who live in costal regions. Although climate change is the result of the oceans changing, the oceans are helping reduce climate change which could lead to another problem. The article explains that the ocean reduces climate change by storing large amounts of carbon dioxide which increases levels of dissolved carbon and changes the chemistry of the seawater, making it more acidic. As the acidity of the ocean changes it makes it more difficult for coral and shellfish to build their skeletons and shells. With these effects it could substantially alter the biodiversity and productivity of the oceans ecosystem. We need to make a change now and help the environment and protect these precious ecosystems. The EPA stresses that even if greenhouse emissions were stabilized tomorrow, it would take decades- centuries for the oceans to adjust to changes in the atmosphere and the climate that have already occurred. Going to the beach is something everyone loves to do, but we won’t have that opportunity anymore if we can’t make a change now. If the ocean levels continue to rise beaches will be flooded and gone forever. 

Link to Article: https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/oceans