The Ocean and Climate Change

The ocean is full of life• Trillions and trillions of life

forms

The ocean is full of life• Trillions and trillions of life

forms

• Most = microscopic, single-celled organisms

The ocean is connected to the atmosphere

The ocean is connected to land

Why is the ocean important to everyone, including Kansas folks?

Ways the Ocean is Important

• Dominates the Earth’s surface area

• Improves the air we breathe

• Puts food on our plates

• Provides medicine

• Contributes to jobs, economic growth, and human protection

How are humans impacting the ocean?

Humans are Impacting the Ocean

• Trash at sea

• Harmful algal blooms and fish kills

• Unsustainable use of resources

Humans are Impacting the Ocean

The CO2 Problem – Part 1

Increase in CO2 absorption = Increase in ocean acidity

Station Aloha

Year

Tem

pera

ture

(° C

)

Year

13

14

15

16

17

18

1860 1880 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 2080 2100

Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research

Increase in CO2 causes:•Increased atmospheric temperature (CO2 doubling = 1.5°C)

•Warming of ocean

The CO2 Problem – Part 2

Warming WorldThe ocean is changing in our lifetime

Warming WorldThe ocean is changing in our lifetime

Warming WorldThe oceans are changing in our

lifetime

Warming World

Warming World

Questions?

• CO2 in the atmosphere will continue to rise if we do not enforce limits on emissions

• Temperatures are projected to rise 0.1-0.2° C per decade

• Sea level will continue to rise with warming (water will expand; more polar ice will melt)

• Weather events (hurricanes, droughts, precipitation, flooding) are expected to intensify; frequency however is still uncertain

• Ocean acidity will continue to increase and expand to all parts of the oceans

Future Projections