THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MARINE BIODIVERSITY

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as one of the most critical threats to marine biodiversity, significantly altering oceanic ecosystems through rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and changing current patterns. These environmental shifts are affecting species distribution, reproductive cycles, food web dynamics, and habitat integrity, particularly in coral reefs, polar regions, and coastal zones. Many marine organisms face increased stress, migration pressures, or extinction risks due to these rapid changes. Additionally, the disruption of marine biodiversity has broader implications for global food security, livelihoods, and climate regulation. This paper explores the multifaceted impacts of climate change on marine life, examining key species and ecosystems, and highlights the urgent need for adaptive conservation strategies and international policy interventions to mitigate further biodiversity loss in our oceans.