WORLD POPULATION


Rising ocean temperatures - a consequence of human overpopulation

Overpopulation And Rising Ocean Temperatures

Through the release, primarily, of greenhouse gases, the direct link between human overpopulation and rising ocean temperatures is no longer in question.

More than 90% of the heat trapped by CO2 emissions is absorbed by the Earth’s oceans, resulting in rising ocean temperatures globally, as well as the absorption of carbon dioxide.

As waters continue to become warmer and more acidic, almost all marine animals and plants are forced to adapt, or risk dying. Particularly at risk is tiny marine life such as algae, plankton and coral. These are essential parts of the marine ecosystem and critical to sustaining larger species such as fish, whales and seals.

Scientists believe that ocean waters are now at the highest temperature they have been for over 1,000 years and heating at a faster rate than at any time in the last 2,000 years.

Rising ocean temperatures disrupt rainfall patterns, which can lead to floods, droughts and wildfires. Rising temperatures also cause seawater to expand, driving up sea levels. Scientists anticipate a global sea level rise of around 1 metre by the end of the century, displacing or endangering more than 200 million people worldwide.

Rising ocean temperatures - a consequence of human overpopulation
Rising ocean temperatures - a consequence of human overpopulation

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    • #13440
      Chris Lewer
      Keymaster

      Scientists believe that ocean waters are now at the highest temperature they have been for over 1,000 years and heating at a faster rate than at any time in the last 2,000 years. A global sea level rise of around 1 metre is predicted by the end of the century, endangering more than 200 million people worldwide.

      Should mankind focus its energy on reducing the problem, or adapting to an inevitable change in our planet?

    • #13469
      Ocean Lover
      Participant

      I don’t believe we are capable of adapting to that extent. And how completely stupid would it be to focus on adapting to environmental change instead of at least trying to address the issue, which is human overpopulation?

    • #13487
      Planet Watcher
      Participant

      Ocean temperatures are a barometer for the general state of the environment globally. Stabilising ocean temperatures is critical over the next few decades. If we can do that and begin to gradually reduce human population, it may be possible to turn things around. Trying is the minimum we should do.

      • #13488
        DayWalker
        Participant

        What is also essential is that people think beyond their own lifetimes. It will take the planet centuries to recover, so we need to focus on future generations. Have less children, but also work to create a better future for them. This paradigm shift will continue through them and their children.

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