Climate Change and Ocean Services

Impact of Climate Change on Glaciers and Water Resources

• Glacial melting reduces the amount of freshwater available, affecting mountain river flows.
• Decreased freshwater availability impacts homes, agriculture, industry, and hydropower generation.

Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Challenges

• Sea level rise contributes to flooding and erosion in coastal areas, threatening infrastructure and ecosystems.
• Over 40% of the global population resides within 100 km of coastlines, making them vulnerable to sea level changes.

Ocean Ecosystems and Biodiversity

• Threats to marine life include ocean acidification, impacting organisms such as mollusks, corals, and plankton, which are crucial for marine food webs.
• Coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes face increasing threats due to rising sea levels.

Marine Oxygen Production and Food Security

• Phytoplankton, which produce approximately 80% of the Earth's oxygen, are at risk from ocean acidification.
• Climate change consequences on marine ecosystems jeopardize food security for around 3 billion people relying on seafood as a primary protein source.

Global Climate Regulation and Interconnectivity

• Ocean currents are essential for regulating global and regional climates; changes in these currents significantly alter weather patterns.
• The interconnected nature of the Earth's systems means that climate change impacts are not isolated and can have cascading effects.

Cultural Heritage and Well-being

• The ocean and cryosphere hold significant cultural and spiritual importance for humanity, with climate change posing risks to this heritage.
• Recreational services provided by coastal and mountainous ecosystems are threatened, affecting overall human well-being.