The current state of the ocean is critical, according to the most extensive scientific analysis conducted to date, where 550 specialists from 86 countries evaluated the oceans, a vital component for existence on our planet.
This report reveals that threats to marine ecosystems are already a tangible reality, with direct repercussions on the climate, economy, and food security of billions.
The Ocean at a Critical Point: Climate Change and Environmental Pressures
The future of the ocean will depend on the actions we take in the coming years. Without a coordinated and determined response, the ocean could face irreversible damage, affecting life on Earth and future generations.
The comprehensive assessment shows that climate change, pollution, and overexploitation are rapidly transforming the oceans. The ocean, which acts as a climate regulator by absorbing heat and carbon dioxide, is under unprecedented pressure.
Without its regulatory function, extreme weather events such as droughts and floods would be more intense. Experts point out that the ocean’s ability to perform this role is not infinite, as environmental pressure is altering essential climate processes.
An alarming fact is the rise in sea level, which has increased its rate from 1.9 millimeters per year before 2015 to 4.3 millimeters annually in 2023, due to polar ice melt and the thermal expansion of water.
Moreover, ocean warming is accelerating: 16% of the warming since 1955 occurred after 2018, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis.
Marine ecosystems are undergoing drastic transformations. Coral reefs, highly vulnerable to heat and acidification, are disappearing at an alarming rate. 80% of the Caribbean reefs have been lost since the 1970s, and a 1.5-degree Celsius increase could devastate up to 90% of global reefs.
Mangroves and seagrass meadows are also changing their distribution, affecting ancient food chains. Pollution from plastic waste and chemicals like microplastics continues to increase, with 52 million tons of plastic waste entering the ocean each year, causing severe impacts on marine biodiversity.
Economic activities are also at risk. The sea provides 20% of the animal protein consumed globally and is the livelihood of millions of people. However, overfishing remains a concern, with 37% of fisheries overexploited in 2021.
This comprehensive report concludes that, although the ocean has a remarkable capacity for recovery, it is not inexhaustible. The sum of threats represents a significant risk to marine ecosystems, pushing them towards tipping points that are difficult to reverse.
The next decade will be crucial, and today’s decisions will define the world’s climatic and economic future. It is vital to reduce emissions, protect ecosystems, and manage marine resources sustainably to ensure a habitable future.
