Climate Change and Its Effect on the Ocean

Rising sea levels and increasing seawater temperatures are negatively impacting the ocean. Warming waters and raised up acidity are damaging the corals and threatening the lives of marine species. But despite the challenges of climate change, individual and collective action can go a long way.

With PADI’s continuous commitment to ocean protection and conservation, we invite the world to join us to save and protect the ocean. With the effects of climate change, the ocean and our planet need the support of the global community of PADI divers now before it is too late.

The Negative Impacts of Climate Change

Warmer Waters

Global gas emissions cause excessive atmospheric heat making global sea surface temperatures rise. The excess atmospheric heat is absorbed by the ocean with an average increased global sea surface 1.3 degrees Celsius temperature over the last century. With warmer waters, marine species are left with damaged breeding grounds due to coral bleaching.

Coral Damage

Warmer water temperatures can turn corals to white and will eventually die. Water temperature that is a little higher than 1 degree Celsius can expel the symbiotic algae thriving inside the coral tissues. As an effect of persistent rising temperatures, coral reef ecosystems are massively devastated. Being home to most of the ocean’s biodiversity, marine species are threatened as well as our crucial source for food.

Sea Level Rise

The effects of climate change have caused polar ice melting. The rapidly melting ice has affected the habitats of polar bears, whales, penguins, and other species in the Arctic. Besides, the water from melting glaciers negatively impacts the global coastal marine ecosystem. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global average sea level has risen to approximately 8.5 inches since 1880.

In addition, Small Island nations are will be wiped off the map like the 2 islands of Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati in the Central Pacific Ocean. Rising sea levels are not only a threat to the marine ecosystem but also to us.

What Can You Do?

You can contribute and save the blue planet by changing your lifestyle.

First, reduce your carbon footprint by opting to reduce your energy consumption, riding a bike, reducing travel, or switching to renewable energy sources.

Second, plant a mangrove, a coral, or do volunteer works, reuse, recycle, or donate.

Third, eat more plant-based meals since these are planet-friendly compared to animal agriculture products.

Fourth, support and eat local to lessen increased CO2 emissions. Buying local products can reduce the bad effects of the global shipping industry on the environment.

There are a lot of things that you can do in your own small ways and we at PADI believe that collective action can turn the tide on climate change.