The oceans have played a critical buffering role in climate change, by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide that would have otherwise contributed to global warming. Since the Industrial Revolution, about 200 years ago, the oceans have absorbed approximately one third of the human-made CO2 (approximately 525 billion tons).
This buffering service does not come without consequences. The ocean has experienced increased acidity, altered circulation patterns, and warming. These impacts can work together to fundamentally alter the ocean and coastal ecosystems – leading to consequences for the global community. These pages provide a glimpse into some of the major impacts documented in the scientific literature.
Ocean Warming
Ocean Acidification
Changes in Ocean Circulations, Currents and Upwelling
Cumulative Impacts
