Research Article Open Access

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM

Abstract

The effects of increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations-such as changes in ocean chemistry-will adversely affect the physical and biological characteristics of coastal systems, modifying their ecosystem structure and functioning. As a result, coastal nations face losses of marine biodiversity, fisheries, and shorelines. Coral reefs, which are among the most bio diverse ecosystems on Earth, are highly sensitive to increases in sea surface temperature. A 2°C increase, associated with CO2 concentrations of 500 ppm, threatens to destroy most coral reefs. Along with increasing temperatures, more acidic conditions in the ocean associated with dissolved CO2 from Earth’s atmosphere threaten to transform living reefs into seaweed dominated mounds of rubble. These impacts will add to the stress already resulting from local anthropogenic effects; combined, they represent an unprecedented challenge to the global biosphere. While the impacts are being felt globally, some regions will be more acutely affected than others.

V. Mary Kensa

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