Boiling Water

Global climate change not only effects specific animals and habitats, but also large ecosystems. The world’s oceans as a whole are constantly changing due to rising temperatures. There are two factors effecting the ocean: melting land ice (like polar ice caps and glaciers) and “thermal expansion” of the ocean water.

Mount Kilimanjaro ice cap is predicted to melt within twenty years. 82% of this colossal ice cap has disappeared since it was measured in 1912. Ice in the artic that lines the ocean is also melting and thinning. Not only does this lead to ocean expansion, which is harmful to many environments, but it is also threatening to different animals such as the polar bear. Polar bears use the sea ice to hunt for sea lions and other prey. Not only does the sea ice provide hunting grounds for polar bears, it also provides sanction for animals such as the ribbon seal.

As temperatures rise, sea levels follow. This is because increased temperatures cause oceans to become less dense and in turn, they spread out. Sea level today has already risen over 120 meters since then last ice age, which was 18,000 years ago. Studies show that global sea level in the 20^th century rises at a rate of 1 to 2 mm/yr. For many coastlines, this means that there is an average 1.5 meters of land being submerged each year.

Small pacific islands are also being affected. It’s predicted that the small islands known as Tuvalu will be submerged within 50 years. Its water and food production is already being effected today due to the invading saltwater. Global climate change effects a wide variety of ecosystems, but one as large as the ocean is sure to have a devastating chain reaction. There’s no immediate fix to global warming but there are many different ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint.

Source: http://www.actionbioscience.org/environment/chanton.html