Study: The ocean’s color is changing as a consequence of climate change

The Changing Color of the Ocean: A Consequence of Human-Induced Climate Change

Introduction

The ocean’s color has undergone significant changes over the past two decades, and scientists from MIT, the National Oceanography Center in the U.K., and other institutions suggest that these changes are likely a result of human-induced climate change. In a study published in Nature, the researchers report that the alterations in ocean color cannot be solely attributed to natural variability, as they have occurred across 56 percent of the world’s oceans. This expansive change in color indicates that marine ecosystems are also being affected, as the color of the ocean reflects the organisms and materials present in its waters.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The findings of this study have significant implications for several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – The study provides further evidence of how human activities, particularly climate change, are impacting life on Earth. The changes in ocean color serve as a visual representation of the consequences of anthropogenic climate change.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The study highlights the potential impact of changing ocean color on marine ecosystems. As phytoplankton, the foundation of the marine food web, are responsible for capturing and storing carbon dioxide, any changes in their populations can disrupt the balance of marine life and carbon sequestration.

Methodology

The researchers analyzed measurements of ocean color taken by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite over a period of 21 years. MODIS captures seven visible wavelengths, including those traditionally used to estimate chlorophyll. By examining the changes in all seven colors, the researchers were able to detect a clear trend in ocean color over the past two decades, surpassing the normal year-to-year variability.

Results and Discussion

The study’s findings align with a model developed by one of the co-authors in 2019, which predicted that changes in ocean color would be detectable within 20 years. The analysis of real-world satellite data confirmed this prediction, showing that approximately 50 percent of the world’s surface oceans have experienced changes in color. These results suggest that the observed trends are not random variations but rather consistent with anthropogenic climate change.

Conclusion

The changing color of the oceans serves as a visible indicator of the impact of human-induced climate change on marine ecosystems. The findings of this study emphasize the need for continued monitoring of ocean color beyond chlorophyll to detect climate-change-driven changes more effectively. Understanding these changes is crucial for addressing SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and developing strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of climate change on marine life and carbon sequestration.

Acknowledgements

This research was supported, in part, by NASA.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article:

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article discusses changes in ocean color, which indicates changes in marine ecosystems.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article suggests that human-induced climate change is likely driving the observed changes in ocean color.

2. Specific Targets under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:

• SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution – Although not directly mentioned in the article, monitoring changes in ocean color can provide insights into the health of marine ecosystems and potential pollution impacts.
• SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning – The article highlights the need for people to take the observed changes in ocean color seriously as evidence of human-induced climate change.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:

• Changes in ocean color – The article discusses how changes in ocean color reflect changes in plankton communities and can indicate shifts in marine ecosystems.
• Monitoring of ocean colors beyond chlorophyll – The article suggests that monitoring multiple ocean colors can provide a clearer and faster way to detect climate-change-driven changes to marine ecosystems.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The targets under SDG 13 are not explicitly mentioned in the article but can be inferred based on the content.

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Source: news.mit.edu

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