Global warming is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world today. One of the significant impacts of this phenomenon is changes to the marine ecosystem. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and changes in ocean current patterns contribute to these impacts. Increasing sea water temperatures have direct implications for underwater life. Many species, such as corals, are very sensitive to high water temperatures. Coral reefs, which serve as habitat for thousands of species of fish and other marine organisms, experience bleaching when water temperatures reach critical points. This bleaching risks damaging the existing ecosystem network, resulting in a decrease in biodiversity in the marine environment. Ocean acidification is also a consequence of global warming. The absorption of CO2 by sea water causes a decrease in water pH. This has a negative impact on organisms that form shells, such as mollusks and shellfish. The slowed shell formation process makes them more vulnerable to predators, further affecting the food chain in marine ecosystems. Losing this species would disrupt the balance based on interactions between predators and prey. Additionally, global warming is changing ocean current patterns and maritime climate, affecting species migration. Many fish species follow optimal temperatures for breeding and finding food. With changes in temperature, fish can move to new areas, which can cause conflict with local fisheries and affect the economies of coastal communities that depend on marine resources. Eutrophication is also a major concern regarding global warming. Increasing temperatures can increase the growth of algae, which results in reduced oxygen in the waters. These conditions create “dead zones,” where marine life cannot survive. This event affects ecosystem productivity and threatens species that cannot adapt quickly. Climate change is also increasing the frequency and intensity of marine disasters, such as hurricanes and marine heat waves. This disaster damaged coastal habitats and affected the life of marine organisms. For example, strong storms can destroy coral reefs and seagrasses, which serve as protection for coastal ecosystems. The impact of global warming not only impacts marine ecosystems but also human life. Many communities depend on marine ecosystems for their livelihoods. The decline in biodiversity and marine resources can threaten food security, especially in countries that rely heavily on fisheries. Therefore, efforts to mitigate global warming must be carried out simultaneously with better monitoring of the health of marine ecosystems. Developing strategies to protect coral reefs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve marine species is very important to ensure the sustainability of life in the sea. Apart from that, public awareness also needs to be increased so that participation in preserving marine ecosystems can run well.
