– by Harsh Raj
Water is the elixir of immortality.
From the water is this universe produced.
In the waters, o lord is your seat, that is, in the waters o lord, is your womb…
The waters are the foundation of all this universe.[1]
-By Shatapathabrahmana, VI.8.2.3-13
[1]Nandithakrishna , Hinduism and nature, penguin books (2017)
Are you an aware inhabitant? If you are then you must know about the role of ocean warming in affecting climate change and rising sea levels. It is a problem that is most neglected among the other climate topics, and it demands the highest attention because it is well known that the ocean(water) covers 70 percent of the earth’s surface and it can bring more devastation than any other thing if not mitigated.
Ocean warming refers to the rise in the temperature of the ocean over time due to the changing climate system of the earth being influenced by different factors. Ocean warming plays an important role in the maintaining earth’s climate and in controlling climate change. water holds more heat than air and on land, it warms slowly but that rate is still alarming as the sea level has risen about 8-9 inches since 1880 and poses a threat to the islands countries like Japan Mauritius, and the coastal cities of different countries, e.g., in India, coastal cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai are under threat.[1]
What factors have led to ocean warming?
Deoxygenation is the process in which the Reduction in the amount of oxygen that is to be dissolved in the ocean and the consequences of the rising sea level, lead to the ocean warming expanding seawater, and ice melting. The rising temperatures, coupled with ocean acidification affect marine species and ecosystems and, consequently, the fundamental benefits humans derive from the ocean. Human activities are the main causes that lead to ocean warming and other causes are the following-
- Rising greenhouse gas emissions – Humanity is under the 4th industrial revolution, and the establishment of the industry has increased manifold along with the smoke which is emitted by the industry has also increased. The burning of fossil fuels for energy production and transportation has enhanced the greenhouse effect and intensified the warming of the ocean.
- El Nino and La Nina – El Nina and La Nina phenomena in the tropical Pacific Ocean can influence global weather patterns and contribute to short-term variations in ocean temperatures. El Nino events, characterized by warmer than normal surface waters, can lead to increased ocean temperature.
- Heat absorption- Water observed more heat than air and land. The importance of the ocean in controlling the earth’s climate is well explained in the report titled 5thAssessment Report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change where it was texted that the ocean observes above 93 percent of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions since the 1970s.[2]
Where could it lead us, if not mitigated?
Marine fishes, marine mammals, and Human life whether it is economically or from another perspective, all face very high risks from increasing temperatures, including high levels of mortalities, loss of breeding grounds, and mass movements as species search for favorable environmental conditions. Following are the conditions, if ocean warming is not mitigated.
- The impact on marine life – Rising ocean temperature can affect coral reefs, leading to coral bleaching. It can also disrupt the marine ecosystem various marine species may face difficulties or struggle to adapt to the changing temperatures of the ocean. The warming also threatens the fisheries’ lifestyle the most recent example is when northern California is flooded with the “tens of thousands” of dead fish.[3]
- Sea level rise – The most prominent effect of ocean warming can be the rising sea level which may threaten the existence of humanity. According to the report of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the global sea level has risen a total of 3.6 inches over the past 30 years. The rising sea level can be most threatening to the city or country which is beside the water. For example, Indonesia (4th most populated country) has recently shifted its capital to east Kalimantan from the previous one Jakarta due to the rising sea level. In India, the city like Kolkata Mumbai Chennai is the most vulnerable cities due to the rising sea level.[4]
- Economic cause – Ocean warming leads to the creation of cyclone hurricanes and other devastation due to the rising and shifting temperature of the sea. the Indian Ocean is more vulnerable to cyclones and other things. The most recent cyclone Viperjoy is an excellent example. The economic cause can be well understood by the report released by the Indian government. According to this, Odisha needs 170 billion rupees (US $ 2.46 billion) to restore the state after the Fani cyclone hit and brought massive environmental devastation as well as human life losses.[5]
What is the way forward?
Every problem has a solution, so it goes with the ocean warming. Although the problem of ocean warming requires a multi-layered solution it cannot be tackled by one hand. It needs the adaption of different strategies to mitigate its impacts on both people and government. Below are some of the key steps to tackle the problem of ocean warming. –
- The coalition between the government and the public –It can be the most effective way to mitigate any environmental problem, especially ocean warming. The public can be aware and educated about the impact of ocean warming and take measures to mitigate it. The government can start initiatives to make the people aware.
- Research and development – Research and development in oceanography can play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of ocean warming. Effective and accurate research can save human lives and ultimately the economic loss can be lessened. The forecast of the Indian Meteorological Department has saved many lives since its inception.
- The co-operation between the countries – Ocean warming is not a country-specific problem, it is a worldwide problem. So, needs comprehensive international cooperation between the countries for effective measures to mitigate ocean warming and rising sea temperatures.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that Ocean warming is a big challenge with far-reaching implications for both humanity and the ecosystem at a large level as it has becomea threatto many of the island countries and important city which are located on the coast of the Sea. It also affects adversely marine life. This is high time to address this issue on a global scale. Cooperation among the different levels of branches of the government, international bodies, and people among others is essential to pacify the impacts of ocean warming.
[1] Sea level change, available at: https://sealevel.nasa.gov/ (last visited on 20th June 2023).
[2] Intergovernmental panel on climate change, “5th assessment report” (2013).
[3] Anwesha majumdar “California: thousand of dead fish wash up along klamath river after flash floods” republic world, aug. 7,2022.
[4]https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-news-analysis/indonesia-relocating-its-capital (last visited on 25th June 2024).
[5] World bank group, “Cyclone Fani damage, loss, and need assessment” (May,2019)
