When we talk about climate change, we’re quick to point to bizarre weather patterns like colder winters, hotter summers and freak storms or floods. We know that the earth is warming and that the oceans are not only getting hotter but the sea levels are rising. We know what that could mean for our lives but what does it mean for the marine animals who call the oceans home?

What’s Happening in the Oceans?

Ocean water covers over 70% of our earth’s surface. They provide a home to 300,000 known species and almost one million unknown species of plants and animals. Oceans absorb carbon dioxide from our atmosphere and help to regulate the earth’s temperature. While we might not see the effects of global warming and climate change on the oceans on a daily basis, the effects are there.

A report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature estimated that 90% of earth’s greenhouse gas-related heating has been absorbed by the oceans.

In addition to absorbing carbon dioxide due to climate change, the sea surface temperature is also rising. The temperature rises by approximately 0.13 degrees Fahrenheit every ten years. And while that may sound like a small increase, it’s a big deal to the marine plants and animals that call the oceans home.

The Effects of Rising Sea Temperatures and Increased Carbon Dioxide

Because the oceans are absorbing so much carbon dioxide, the rate of acidification is increasing. In fact, the acidification rate is 30 times faster than it would be without human interference. The increase in acidification has altered the pH balance and calcium carbonate levels of the oceans. Plants and animals, like coral, plankton and shellfish, that rely on calcium carbonate to form their shells and skeletons are affected by this increased ocean acidification. Plankton and shellfish are often at the bottom of the ocean’s food chain so effects on them will cause animals all the way up the food chain to suffer.

Coral reefs are in particular danger thanks to rising sea temperatures and increased carbon dioxide. Coral bleaching, when coral is suffocated and unable to receive their color and energy, occurs when ocean temperatures change. Bleached coral is more susceptible to dying which explains why coral reefs declined by 16% in just one year.

Lastly, higher water temperatures can result in toxic algae blooms. These toxins cause fish, shellfish, marine animals and birds to become sick and, in some cases, die. For example, thanks to harmful neurotoxins produced by algal blooms off the coast of California, 200 sea lions and their pups required veterinary care at the Marine Mammal Center in 2015.

The Effects of Rising Sea Levels

As polar ice caps melt, the sea levels rise around the world. Rising sea levels affect many species that rely on shallow waters. Coral reefs and seagrass need shallow water in order to grow by photosynthesis. Seagrass is a form of vegetation that many sea creatures rely on as a food source. Seagrass is also used to stabilize the ocean floor, as a habitat for small shellfish and as a protection for small species from their predators.

With rising sea levels comes changing shorelines on land. Many marine animals rely on this coastal land for breeding and caring for their offspring. For example, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach and protect the eggs there until they hatch. In another example, the Hawaiian monk seal, who use islands for breeding and nursing, have lost 50% of their beach islands due to rising sea levels.

How You Can Help Save the Oceans’ Marine Life

There are many ways that you can help the oceans and the marine life that call oceans home. The first step is education. Learn more about the negative effects of climate change on marine life and spread the word. Once you’ve raised awareness about this important issue, you may also consider raising funds for organizations that support marine life.

In general, to combat climate change it’s important to decrease your carbon footprint. There are many ways to do this including recycling, biking to work instead of driving and choosing energy efficient options, such as light bulbs, when out shopping.

One way to achieve this is with One Green Planet’s #EatForThePlanet campaign. This campaign is all about reducing your negative impact on the planet by changing some of your food choices. One Green Planet encourages participants to do three things: 1) Replace animal-based products with vegan alternatives, 2) Embrace plant-based whole foods and add them to your diet, 3) Moderate your consumption of your favorite meats.