Exploring the Underlying Causes of Marine Species Loss in IPCC 6

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific body established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide policy-makers with regular assessments of the science of climate change, its impacts and future risks. The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) is the most recent comprehensive review of the state of the climate, climate change and its impacts. One of the key issues addressed in the report is the impact of climate change on the oceans, including the loss of marine species.

The state of the ocean

The ocean has absorbed more than 90% of the excess heat from greenhouse gases emitted by human activities since the 1970s, causing ocean temperatures to rise. The AR6 report states that the ocean has warmed faster since 1970 than at any time in at least the past 2,000 years. This warming has caused sea levels to rise and the ocean to become more acidic. The ocean has also experienced a decrease in dissolved oxygen, which can lead to the loss of marine life.
The ocean is home to a vast array of species, from tiny plankton to giant whales, and supports the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. However, the impact of climate change on the ocean is causing significant concern about the loss of marine species. The AR6 report warns that the risks to marine biodiversity are high, and that continued warming and acidification of the ocean could cause irreversible damage to many marine species and even lead to the extinction of some.

The causes of marine biodiversity loss

The loss of marine species is caused by a combination of factors, including overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Climate change is a major driver of marine species loss, as it affects the physical and chemical properties of the ocean and disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems.

Ocean warming has already caused shifts in the distribution and abundance of many marine species and has affected the timing of key life cycle events such as reproduction and migration. Ocean acidification, caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, makes it more difficult for some marine organisms, such as shell-forming species, to build and maintain their shells, which can lead to reduced growth rates, reproductive failure, and mortality.

The impact of marine species loss

The loss of marine species has a significant impact on the functioning of marine ecosystems because each species plays a unique role in the ecosystem. The loss of a keystone species, for example, can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. Species loss can also affect the services that the ocean provides to humans, such as food, medicine, recreation, and climate regulation.

Loss of marine biodiversity can also have social and economic impacts, particularly on coastal communities that depend on the ocean for their livelihoods. These communities may experience declines in fish stocks and tourism, which can lead to job losses and economic hardship. Indigenous peoples and small island developing states are particularly vulnerable to the loss of marine biodiversity, as they depend on the ocean for their cultural identity and livelihoods.

Solutions to marine biodiversity loss

To prevent the loss of marine species, it is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. The AR6 report stresses the importance of reducing emissions to limit the risks to marine biodiversity and calls for urgent and ambitious action to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
It is also important to protect and restore marine ecosystems, reduce overfishing and bycatch, and reduce pollution. Marine protected areas can help conserve marine biodiversity, and sustainable fishing practices can help ensure the long-term viability of fish stocks. Improving wastewater treatment, reducing plastic pollution and regulating shipping can also help reduce the impact of pollution on marine ecosystems.

Conclusion

The loss of marine species is a serious concern, and the IPCC AR6 report highlights the urgent need for action to protect the oceans and their biodiversity. The report emphasizes the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect and restore marine ecosystems, and reduce pollution. It is essential that policymakers, scientists and the public work together to address the challenges facing the ocean and its inhabitants. By taking action now, we can help ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from the services and resources the ocean provides.

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