Climate Action Could Spare Oceans from Mass Extinction Event

Uncontrolled global warming can lead to ocean warming and acidification which would cause mass extinction events of prehistoric proportions.

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A massive volcanic eruption that took place in Siberia around 252 million years ago released 100,000 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere. The event known as the Great Dying heated the planet and acidified the oceans, which caused the extinction of 95% of marine life.

Now scientists are warning that a similar event can happen to our oceans again if we don’t act to control the climate crisis.

While the extinction may not be as catastrophic, the mechanism would be the same.

EcoWatch reports that oceans are already suffering the effects of global warming. The ocean is absorbing heat and carbon dioxide which reduces oxygen and leads to acidification.

“Marine heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe, killing and disrupting marine life; oxygen-depleted dead zones have increased by a factor of four since the 1960s; and shellfish like clams and mussels are already finding it harder to form shells.”

Justin Penn, the study co-author and Princeton University climate scientist, says that the future of the ocean ecosystems rests on what we decide to do with greenhouse gas emissions today.

If we continue to burn fossil fuels, the planet would warm up to four degrees Celsius by 2100. This would cause extinction events that could rival even the Great Dying and the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs.

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Nikola Gemeš

Highlights • 10 years of writing and editing experience Obsessed with home decor trends, plant parenting, cleaning, and other lifestyle topics. • Expertise in content marketing and email strategy for brands and small businesses About Nikola Gemeš Nikola Gemeš, an electrical engineer turned sustainability consultant, bridges the gap between complex environmental concepts and GreenCitizen readers with his well-researched, accurate content. His commitment to sustainability extends from his professional life to personal practices of recycling and home-grown food. An adventurer at heart, Nikola enjoys hiking, white-water sports, and pocket knife collecting. At Green Citizen, he's instrumental in presenting the best sustainable brands, aiding well-informed decision-making. He firmly believes in the collective power of individuals, experts, businesses, and governments to foster a world where sustainability, life quality, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality are core values. Experience Nikola Gemeš has a rich and diverse background in electrical engineering, which he utilizes to break down complex sustainability topics for his readers. His unique blend of technical knowledge and communicative skills has made him a crucial part of GreenCitizen. Nikola's experience has honed his ability to navigate through intricate data and research, ensuring the content he delivers is both accurate and reliable. His passion for educating and informing is palpable in the impact he has made on Green Citizen's readership. Outside of his professional endeavors, Nikola is deeply committed to environmental conservation in his personal life. This commitment is reflected in his everyday activities, from recycling to cultivating his own food. His hands-on approach to sustainability gives him a first-hand understanding of practical conservation efforts, further enriching the content he produces. These personal experiences often seep into his work, making it relatable and engaging for readers. Nikola's key role extends to assessing and presenting sustainable brands to his audience. His comprehensive grasp of sustainability allows him to critically evaluate and offer the best environmentally-friendly options available on the market. He aids readers in making informed decisions that have a positive impact on both their lives and the environment. His belief in collective efforts towards a sustainable world is evident in his work, as he consistently promotes values of quality life, economic prosperity, diversity, mental health, and gender equality.