Do we really talk about oceans? We all know about global warming. We all know that we should at least try to limit the increase of global average temperatures. Most of our planet is covered by oceans. We started recording their temperatures only sixty years ago, and since then the figures have continued to grow. They have a pivotal role for our well-being, though their depths are a mystery for humankind. Oceans are our allies, since they absorb great amounts of carbon dioxide and trap heat.

What’s happening with global warming? Oceans continue to play this role, and the consequence is that, last year, their waters have reached their highest temperature and the lowest oxygen contents since we started measuring these pieces of data. Last month, a new study from a team of scientists from Princeton University has drawn different scenarios that could materialise on the basis of the increase of global temperatures. If we continue to rely on fossil fuels at the current pace, there will be a mass extinction of ocean species, of about 90%.

Is there good news? Scientists have answered yes. But this yes depends on us and on the world’s commitment to limit global warming. If we act now, the loss of species will be only 20%, instead of 90%. Safeguarding the ocean life means protecting our well-being, because their waters help us to balance the quantity of oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere.

It is really important to set in our minds that protecting the environment is not an idealistic purpose, but it is a strategic action to undertake if we want to take care of ourselves, if we think that our well-being matters. Earth has endured other mass extinctions, the last one with dinosaurs, and other periods of high temperatures. Earth as a planet can survive to global warming, but human beings cannot. Our future is in our hands.

Sources

Ocean animals face a mass extinction from climate change, study finds

One million species face extinction, U.N. report says. And humans will suffer as a result.

Warning on Mass Extinction of Sea Life: ‘An Oh My God Moment’

UN Report: Nature’s Dangerous Decline ‘Unprecedented’; Species Extinction Rates ‘Accelerating’