Warming Oceans Losing Oxygen

Besides raising sea levels, warming oceans are also reducing the oxygen content of the water which reduces the amount of aerobic life the oceans can support. Between 1960 and 2010, the oceans lost 2% of their oxygen. The Arctic Ocean saw the biggest change in temperature and oxygen content, signalling even greater changes throughout its environment, composition, and ecology. As the oceans are warming, they aren’t mixing as much, at least when it comes to oxygen, so various strata are seeing greater declines. One unfortunate feedback loop is that, with less oxygen, sea life produces more nitrous oxide. The estimate is that an additional 7% reduction is likely by 2100, which has the potential to reduce sea life, which means reduced seafood production, which is happening as human populations continue to grow. Not a good scenario or situation.

“Scientists Have Just Detected A Major Change To The Earth’s Oceans Linked To A Warming Climate” – Washington Post