Over the past few decades, global warming has been an increasingly pressing and destructive force, with the effects of climate change to be seen across the world. Recent advances in science have led to a greater understanding of the ways in which global warming can be mitigated, but overlook one factor entirely – that of the warmer oceans. Indeed, this phenomenon is of growing importance, and can further influence the global climate in a dramatic fashion if not adequately addressed.
It is a given that the warmer oceans amplify global warming, as the heat of the ocean rises, and in turn, contributes to warming the atmosphere. This leads to a cascade of repercussions, from the melting of glaciers, to the more frequent and intense emergence of superstorms, hurricanes, floods and droughts, aquatic acidification, and sea level rise, among a host of other issues. As such, it can be seen to be a catalyst in climate change, as well as a direct victim of its consequences.
The oceans are an integral part of the planet’s ecosystem, and due to their vast amounts of water, they absorb and store large amounts of heat. This results in warmer surface temperatures, which in turn, increases the size and intensity of storms on the open-ocean. In addition, the rise in temperature brings about changes in the marine flora and fauna, with higher acidity levels in the water directly affecting the growth of delicate natural species.
The consequences of a warmer ocean are therefore two-fold. Firstly, it further warms the atmosphere of the planet, and secondly, it brings about a number of disastrous changes within the marine ecosystem, leading to an increased chance of global climate disasters. Simultaneously, the problems created by more acidic waters are immense. For instance, coral reefs, a keystone species in the ocean, are at risk of being lost completely due to higher acidity levels – with the results being an increase in wave energy and coastal erosion, as well as a decline in the fish population, among other problems.
In further consideration of the potential positive implications of warmer oceans, it can be argued that there is some benefit to the phenomenon. On one hand, warmer temperatures can open up new areas of ocean territory for exploration and exploitation, while high levels of CO2 help fuel efficient communication, transportation, and energy production. However, with the detrimental effects far outweighing the positive ones, ultimately, it cannot be proclaimed that warmer oceans are at all beneficial from a global warming perspective.
In order to address the issues that come with global warming and the warmer oceans, it is necessary to educate the public, and to create global policy that both diminishes the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere, as well as limits further ocean temperature increases. Strategies including energy conservation and renewable energy investments, the preservation of marine habitats, and the implementation of new innovative technologies, such as oceanic geoengineering, and weather modification can also play a crucial role.
With all this in mind, it is important to recognise the existence of warmer oceans and their influence on global climate change – as continued ignorance of this issue may not only aggravate the effects of global warming, but may also create difficulties and implications that will be felt far into the future. Therefore, if we work together to limit our emissions, reduce our impact on the environment, and strive for cleaner energies, our immediate and long-term prospects of progress look warm and bright.
