The UNESCO State of Ocean Report 2024 reveals critical gaps in research and data concerning ocean warming, deoxygenation, acidification, and sea level rise. The report emphasizes the urgency for regular and comprehensive data collection to support initiatives aimed at maintaining healthy and resilient oceans.
Recent studies indicate that the upper 2,000 meters of the ocean have experienced a warming rate of 0.32 ± 0.03 watt per square meter (W/m2) from 1960 to 2023. Alarmingly, this rate has accelerated to 0.66 ± 0.10 W/m2 during the last two decades. These changes can lead to irreversible impacts over centennial to millennial timescales, significantly affecting the Earth’s energy balance.
Approximately 90% of the Earth's energy imbalance is absorbed by the oceans, leading to an increase in OHC. This phenomenon inhibits the mixing of ocean layers, resulting in deoxygenation—lower oxygen levels in deeper waters. Such deoxygenation poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities.
Ocean acidification refers to the reduction in pH levels of ocean waters due to the absorption of increased carbon dioxide. Since the late 1980s, the global surface ocean pH has declined by 0.017-0.027 pH units per decade. This data, derived from limited long-term observations, highlights the urgent need for more extensive monitoring.
From 1993 to 2023, global mean sea levels have risen at a rate of 3.4 ± 0.3 mm per year. To accurately track this rise, enhanced monitoring systems are essential at global, regional, and coastal scales.
mCDR technologies focus on capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the ocean. Techniques include modifying seawater chemistry to improve carbon dioxide absorption and enhancing nutrient levels to promote plankton growth. These methods, however, face various technical, environmental, and regulatory challenges.
Restoring and expanding habitats such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and tidal saltmarshes are crucial for enhancing carbon sequestration. Nonetheless, further research is needed to assess their effectiveness and overall impact.
Q1. What are the main findings of the UNESCO State of Ocean Report 2024?
Answer: The report highlights significant research gaps on ocean warming, deoxygenation, acidification, and sea level rise, calling for better data collection for ocean health.
Q2. Why does ocean warming pose a risk?
Answer: Ocean warming leads to irreversible changes in marine ecosystems, affecting the Earth's energy balance and resulting in severe ecological shifts.
Q3. What is deoxygenation in oceans?
Answer: Deoxygenation is the reduction of oxygen levels in deeper waters, primarily caused by increased ocean heat content, which disrupts the natural mixing of ocean layers.
Q4. How does ocean acidification affect marine life?
Answer: Ocean acidification decreases the pH of seawater, which can harm marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells, disrupting entire ecosystems.
Q5. What actions can be taken to address rising sea levels?
Answer: Continuous monitoring and improved data collection are essential for understanding and addressing the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal communities.
Question 1: What is the primary cause of ocean acidification?
A) Decrease in ocean temperature
B) Increased carbon dioxide absorption
C) Overfishing
D) Coastal erosion
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which technology aims to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
A) Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR)
B) Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
C) Tidal Energy Systems
D) Wave Energy Converters
Correct Answer: A
Question 3: What has been the rate of sea level rise since 1993?
A) 1.5 mm per year
B) 2.2 mm per year
C) 3.4 mm per year
D) 4.5 mm per year
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which habitats are classified as coastal blue carbon habitats?
A) Coral reefs
B) Mangroves, seagrass meadows, and tidal saltmarshes
C) Sandy beaches
D) Open ocean
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What percentage of the Earth's energy imbalance is absorbed by oceans?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) 90%
D) 100%
Correct Answer: C
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