As the Earth’s average surface temperature steadily increases, so does the threat of global warming for all its inhabitants, including marine life such as dolphins. Inhabitants of the shallow seas and coastal areas, these beloved creatures are facing considerable health risks due to the extreme weather and ocean changes that are a direct result of climate change. This situation poses a concerning outlook for their future and necessitates comprehensive global efforts to be put in place to ensure their long-term survival.
The most immediate and visible consequences of global warming on dolphins are physical. Due to warming waters and altered ocean currents, marine life populations have greatly changed in both a geographical sense; as various species struggle to adjust to their altered habitats, and a biological one; as organisms that they feed on shift and reduce in size. This directly impacts the health and nutrition of dolphins, as they rely heavily on certain species for sustenance.
It is also believed that such habitat changes can lead to increased levels of competition amongst dolphins for food. This, in turn, can create mutation of their behaviour in striving for survival; with more risk-taking, bolder movements and a generally significant increase in stress levels. As a result, dolphins are seen to spend much less time foraging for food and consequently, their age and fertility rate can substantially decrease. Studies have also noted that certain types of coral reefs, a preferred habitat for many species of dolphins, are even more susceptible to climate change and therefore, less suited as a long-term environment.
Global warming also poses intangible risks to dolphins in the form of increased noise pollution in their underwater homes. According to recent research, underwater acoustic signals that are emitted by both dolphins and other marine organisms can become distorted in changing temperatures, consequently making it difficult to trace important sound signals such as general navigational, communication or mating systems. Furthermore, gas and chemical pollutants that have made their way into ocean waters (as a result of humans) also become much more concentrated in warmer water temperatures and can cause both physical and behavioural abnormalities in dolphins, as well as other marine life.
In the face of such alarming threats of global warming, it is essential for the protection of many dolphin species that we inform ourselves and others of its scope and galvanize urgent action – from the individual to the international arena – in order to protect these precious creatures from extinction and safeguard their future. We must reject the false dichotomy of economic and environmental priorities. Rather, it must be understood how fundamental environmental health is to the sustenance and prosperity of all life.
We must continue to take steps toward reducing our carbon footprint and instead operate in line with sustainable and regenerative models of development. Every individual has the power to choose, and we must choose wisely. We must make our voices heard and demand powerful global solutions to bring an end to the grave injustice of our time – the climate crisis. As custodians of this planet and the wildlife within, it is not only our privilege but our moral obligation to do so.
