Ocean temperatures Reaching New Highs
In today's precipitously changing climate and release of greenhouse gasses, it is difficult not to take notice of the significant climate change on land. However, many seem to overlook the change in our oceans and their impact on life on Earth. The oceans cover over 70% of the planet's surface, contribute to our daily weather, and 70% of our oxygen supply. The recent United Nations 2021 climate assessment concluded that ocean temperatures and acidity levels were the highest in recorded history, resulting in harsh weather conditions, rising sea levels, and loss of marine life.
Why Our Oceans are Important
Our Oceans provide food for billions of humans and life to over 95% of all living things on earth. They assist in absorbing over 50% of all CO2 and greenhouse gasses emitted by human activity. Also, just under 90% of the accumulated heat in our atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean to distribute throughout the world (UN, 2021). Oceans have a major influence on some of the severe and unpredictable weather conditions we have on land.
2021 oceans temperature and Acidity levels
Ocean temperatures have been rising at an alarming rate, hitting record highs every year for the past 11 years with no indication of slowing down. We are now starting to see the adverse effects on plant life near the ocean, marine migration patterns, and ocean life such as corals and fish. Oceans had the highest levels of acidity in 2021, over the past 26,000 years (Galey, 2022). This is because the oceans increased intake of CO2 and greenhouse gasses are increasing the water's acidity levels. As a result, the increased acidity is impeding the ocean's ability to absorb the substantial amounts of greenhouse gases it has in the past. All these factors are resulting in severe weather conditions on land and sea throughout the world such as heatwaves, high winds, flash floods, tornadoes, and tsunamis.
How we can make a difference
The first thing we can do to make a difference is to reduce our reliance on burning fossil fuels and other practices that contribute to the increase of greenhouse gasses. The oceans are working harder to absorb the excess large amounts of greenhouse gasses due to human activity. Driving gas cars, burning coal and oil for energy are the main contributors to the rising temperature of our oceans. Reducing these types of activities will give our oceans the necessary time needed to recover. To help lower your reliance on fossil fuels, the Anorra and the Anorra Plus are great microgeneration wind turbines by Borrum Energy Solutions. These microgeneration wind turbines could help your tiny home, cottage, or northern home reduce greenhouse emissions from natural gas or propane heating.
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