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Scientists warn that the Earth's oceans are changing color at an accelerated rate, a direct consequence of human action and the impact on the planet's climate conditions.
Over the past 20 years, a subtle but significant change has been observed in the world’s oceans. While imperceptible during a typical day at the beach, this transformation is visible from airplanes and satellites, highlighting profound changes in marine ecosystems.
This change occurs on a global scale, reflecting transformations in the balance of life under water and raising important questions about the impacts of human activities on the environment.
Experts are on alert
Stephanie Dutkiewicz, researcher of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), warns that these changes cannot be ignored. “It’s not just models that predict these transformations; now we can see the hope, and the ocean is changing"He says.
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In a study published in the journal Nature, researchers from UK National Oceanography Centre and other institutions have confirmed that more than half of the world's oceans have undergone color changes.
This influence cannot be attributed solely to natural variations, but is directly linked to climate change caused by man.
A more intense green near the equator
Tropical regions near the equator are showing a greener hue. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a reflection of profound changes in the ecosystems that inhabit the upper layers of the ocean.
The color of the ocean is determined largely by phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms that contain chlorophyll, giving them a green hue. These organisms play a crucial role in capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sustaining the entire marine food chain.
Changes in phytoplankton populations can have a knock-on effect, altering entire ecosystems and impacting the global carbon cycle. This change, therefore, is a vital indicator of the planet's environmental conditions.
Humans at the center of change
BB Cael, lead author of the study, emphasizes that the observed changes are caused by human activities. He highlights that “This evidence shows how humans are affecting the biosphere on a vast scale, including the most extensive environments on Earth.".
Traditionally, scientists have monitored phytoplankton populations using chlorophyll ratios. However, natural fluctuations can make it difficult to identify short-term trends.
Recent studies suggest that observing the full spectrum of ocean cores is a more effective approach to detecting changes related to climate change.
Satellites confirm change
Data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), aboard NASA's Aqua satellite, were developed to understand these changes. Since 2002, the instrument has been recording ocean color in seven visible wavelengths.
The results revealed a consistent trend over two decades, in line with climate models that predict changes driven by human activities.
Stephanie Dutkiewicz explains that changes in ocean color indicate significant changes in phytoplankton communities. These organisms play an essential role in regulating carbon and sustaining marine life.
What does a color change mean?
Changing ocean conditions isn’t just a matter of aesthetics. Different types of phytoplankton have varying capacities for capturing carbon and feeding marine life.
Any change in the composition of these communities can have repercussions throughout the food chain, from small organisms to large marine predators such as fish and whales.
Dutkiewicz warns that “different types of planning directly influence the amount of carbon the ocean can absorb”, highlighting the broader implications for the global climate balance.
A visible sign of invisible changes
These findings highlight the profound effects of climate change on ocean ecosystems. Monitoring ocean color provides a clear and tangible indicator of ongoing changes, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of human impacts on natural systems.
Cael emphasizes: “The evidence is clear: human activities are even changing the color of our oceans”. These changes are not only a warning about the health of mares, but also about the complex interdependence of life on Earth.
THESE ENVIRONMENTAL ALARMISTS NEED TO BE ARRESTED, BECAUSE THEY ARE CERTAINLY AT THE SERVICE OF CORPORATIONS TO INVITE SOME PRODUCT TO CLEAN UP THE OCEANS. **** OF CONTUMABLE CROOKS. **** MELES. I AM A CLIMATOLOGIST AND EVERYTHING IN OUR CLIMATE AND OCEANS AND IN THE ATMOSPHERE IS NATURAL. GOD IS FAITHFUL THESE CROOKS ARE GOING TO BE IN BAD WAY..
If you are a climatologist, you should know that extreme drought and rain events are becoming more intense. Here in RGS, events that should occur every 10 or 20 years occurred in less than a year, floods that devastated cities.
It must be Bolsonaro's fault
The change in the color of the oceans is not caused by President Bolsonaro. The observed changes are the result of large-scale human activities, including climate change. The color of the ocean is determined by microscopic organisms called phytoplankton, which capture carbon dioxide and sustain marine life. Changes in phytoplankton populations can affect marine food supply and the global climate balance.