What has been the trend in global temperature over the past 11 years?
The past 11 years have been the warmest on record, with 2024 being the hottest on record globally
Temporary cooling through El Niña does not revert the long-term trends seen.
What is happening to ocean warming?
Ocean warming is continuing at its abnormal rate
This trend is contributing to various ecological effects.
In Antarctica, what is the observed temperature trend?
The temperature is warmer than average due to ice melt
This is part of the broader pattern of climate change.
How many tropical storms occurred within the N. Atlantic?
18 tropical storms
This is part of the observed weather changes.
What are two major effects of climate change?
- Cryosphere changes
- Increased ocean acidification
These changes have significant ecological impacts.
What are the direct effects of ocean warming on mobile species?
- Distribution and migration changes
- Population dynamics changes
These effects can disrupt ecosystems and food chains.
What is happening to species found in Europe due to warmer temperatures?
They are having to move due to warmer temperatures
This is a direct effect of climate change.
What are the indirect effects of ocean warming on food chains?
- Changes in breeding times for birds
- Effects on other trophic groups
These changes can disrupt ecological balance.
What is a significant effect of ocean warming on migratory routes?
Shifting migratory routes and distribution shifts for various species
Examples include jumbo squid, marlins, and sperm whales.
How far has the range of leatherbacks migrated?
The range has extended by 300km as the 15ºC isotherm has moved northwards
This reflects the impact of climate change on species distribution.
What is the climactic envelope?
The specific climatic conditions that species have evolved to live in
Ocean warming effects will vary according to species distribution within this envelope.
What is the predicted fish loss by 2050 if high greenhouse gas emissions continue?
35% fish loss
This projection highlights the impact of climate change on fisheries.
What is the current state of ocean acidification?
The current pH within the ocean has been the lowest and is changing at a rate 100x greater than any over this time period
Ocean acidification is unfortunately irreversible.
What are some habitats that produce biogenic structures supporting other species?
- Corals
- Shellfish
- Kelp
- Seagrass
These habitats are highly sensitive to disturbances like climate change.
What harsh example of climate impact occurred in West Australia during its 2011 heatwave?
Ningaloo Reef experienced unprecedented coral bleaching levels
This event led to the eradication of forest-forming seaweed from 100km of coast in only a few months.
What is a pollutant?
any substance introduced into a water resource naturally or through human activities, affecting the quality of the resource for specific uses
What’s the difference between point source pollution and diffuse source pollution?
point source:
* has a traceable location
* easy to measure
diffuse source:
* has no single point of origin
* density affects how the pollution can be controlled
point source comes from wastewater treatments areas. diffuse source comes from surface runoff.
How has the global fertiliser consumption usage changed?
has increased around 7-fold over the past 50-60 years
What is the name of the species associated with the death of farmed salmon?
Chaetoceros - its long spines have been known to lodge into fish gill tissue and causes irritation and death by suffocation
humans can also be exposed to the toxins by eating contaminated seafood
What is the difference between hypoxia and anoxia?
hypoxia - very little oxygen and organisms are physiologically stressed.
anoxia - no oxygen found (dead zones)
the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Mexico is part of the dead zone
