Oceans losing greenness due to phytoplankton decline
Oceans are losing greenness due to phytoplankton decline, threatening carbon absorption and marine life.
Why it matters
- Phytoplankton are crucial for Earth's productivity, carbon absorption, and oxygen levels.
- Their decline threatens marine food chains and the global carbon cycle.
By the numbers
- Decline in chlorophyll concentration: 0.35 micrograms per cubic meter annually.
- Greater decline in coastal regions and near river estuaries.
- Annual decrease in carbon sequestration capacity: 0.088%, equivalent to 32 million tons.
The big picture
- Rising temperatures are causing ocean stratification, blocking nutrient transport to phytoplankton.
- This confirms theories about the impact of global heating on ocean ecosystems.
What they're saying
- Experts highlight the need for policy measures to address agricultural runoff and climate change.
Caveats
- The study acknowledges regional variations and human activities' impact on phytoplankton levels.
- The situation may be more complex than the study suggests, given previous studies indicating algal blooms.
What’s next
- Policymakers need to consider the marine ecological environment in coastal areas and formulate countermeasures.
- Broader climate action is necessary to address the decline in ocean carbon sequestration capacity.