Global Warming's Impacts on the Oceans

On 29 April the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming held a hearing on “Rising Tides, Rising Temperatures: Global Warming's Impacts on the Oceans.” Witnesses discussed the variety and extent of climate change impacts on the oceans and how these impacts affect humans globally.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society, said that oceans are the “life support system” that controls the chemistry and temperature of Earth. Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA) stated that the anthropogenic carbon release of the 20^th and 21^st centuries has overworked the oceans' climate control mechanism.

Ocean changes will affect humans around the world by impacting fisheries, water and food supplies, insurance rates, health, and infrastructure needs. These problems could be exacerbated by predicted sea level rise and increased storm intensity.

There is still much to be done to help lessen the detrimental effects of climate change on Earth's oceans. Witnesses said necessary steps are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible through mitigation techniques, and to help ecosystems adapt to the changing climate. Adaptation technologies should be researched thoroughly to ensure they will not do additional harm or cause any unforeseen problems. It was also noted that funding of relevant scientific research and development should be increased, and citizens should be educated to better understand how ocean changes are detrimental to the world.

Legislation may be the most important way to help oceans. Dr. Vikki Spruill, President and CEO of The Ocean Conservancy, noted a few bills currently under review that could help mitigate climate change effects on the oceans. H.R.21 creates and implements a national ocean policy. S.1580 reauthorizes the Coral Reef Conservation Act, and a version has already been passed in the House. S.2635 expands national marine sanctuaries and has also had a version passed in the House. All witnesses agreed that passing legislation is necessary to lessen repercussions, and without mitigation and adaptation, the impacts of climate change will continue to affect the oceans and hence the world.