Research suggests that temporary global warming above the 2℃ threshold could have long-term effects on ocean life, even after CO₂ levels decline. Known as a climate overshoot, exceeding this limit could substantially reduce viable habitats in the oceans, impacting marine ecosystems for centuries.
The researchers used models to simulate the effects of such a climate overshoot. They studied changes in ocean temperature and oxygen levels, factors which directly affect marine life. Warming waters and deoxygenation were identified as immediate threats to marine ecosystems.
The study revealed that climate overshoot scenarios resulted in a decline in water volumes that can provide viable habitats. This impact was sustained even after the global average temperature recovered. Notably, the habitats of species such as tuna could be compressed towards the surface for hundreds of years.
The study underlines the urgency of managing resources to avoid compromising species abundance and food security. The researchers recommend drastically reducing emissions to prevent significant climate overshoot, thereby keeping global warming well below 2℃. Further work is needed to improve climate models and to explore strategies to minimize the impact of climate overshoot.
Read source article here:
https://theconversation.com/even-temporary-global-warming-above-2-will-affect-life-in-the-oceans-for-centuries-214251
