Ocean Acidification

Ocean Acidification occurs when carbon dioxide dissolves into seawater, lowering its PH level. This change makes water more acidic and less alkaline, thus reducing the amount of carbonate ions present in the oceans. Carbonates are responsible for absorbing atmospheric CO2, making them critical to maintaining a stable global climate.

Sea ice melt :

Sea Ice Melt refers to the melting of sea ice, which is caused by rising temperatures. Melting sea ice exposes dark ocean waters, allowing sunlight to reach the ocean bottom and warm the deep layers of the ocean. This causes the ocean floor to become warmer than usual, which melts even more sea ice. Because the Arctic is warming faster than any other region on earth, sea ice melt is accelerating at an alarming rate.

Coral bleaching :

Coral Bleaching occurs when corals expel their symbiotic algae, leaving coral skeletons white. This is often seen after El Nino events, where warm water from the Pacific Ocean travels northward along the coastlines of South America and Africa, causing a rise in sea surface temperatures. When the water cools down again, the corals release their algae, turning the water back blue.

Extreme weather events :

Extreme Weather Events occur when extreme conditions affect local weather patterns. Such events can cause severe damage to crops, livestock, and infrastructure. In recent years, we have witnessed several major extreme weather events including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and droughts.

Rising sea levels :

Rising sea levels are caused by the expansion of water as it warms. Warmer air holds more moisture, which expands into liquid water. Since the oceans are composed of 70% water, they expand to fill the space left behind.