The ocean and global warming
The ocean is a vast and complex ecosystem that covers over 70% of the Earth's surface. It is home to an estimated 230,000 known species of plants and animals, and it plays a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. The ocean produces about half of the oxygen we breathe, and it absorbs about 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere. This helps to mitigate the effects of climate change, but it also means that the ocean is warming at a faster rate than the rest of the planet. The increasing temperature of the ocean is causing a number of changes, including: • The loss of sea ice • The acidification of the ocean• • The bleaching of coral reefs • The movement of fish populations • The spread of invasive species These changes are having a significant impact on marine ecosystems, and they are also affecting coastal communities. For example, the loss of sea ice is making it easier for storm surges to reach coastal areas, and the acidification of the ocean is making...