Climate Change Changes The Color of The Ocean

Background: Recent research shows that 56% of the world's oceans are changing color due to climate change.

The greening of the warm waters, especially in the south of the Indian Ocean, indicates an increase in phytoplankton and marine life. (NASA)

MODIS measures seven wavelengths of light (different wavelengths of light produce different colors).

Green Water and Phytoplankton

Studies have shown that green water indicates the presence of phytoplankton, an important plant-like organism.

Phytoplankton, similar to land plants, is a marine food source and plays an important role in supporting marine life.

The color of the ocean affects the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean, with current estimates suggesting that the ocean absorbs 25% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions.

The role of climate change Comparing annual changes in ocean color over two decades, the study concluded that climate change is the main factor behind the changes.

The researchers used the model to simulate two scenarios - one that takes greenhouse gas emissions into account and one that does not.

The state of greenhouse gases estimates that about 50% of the world's oceans may change color; this is consistent with satellite observations showing that 56% of the oceans may turn green or blue.

Marine Life and Conservation Effects

Organism Effects

The green color comes from chlorophyll, the color that helps phytoplankton make food. The color changes that occur due to the increase or decrease in the population are effective on the organisms that feed on plankton.

Carbon sequestration

Different types of plankton have different abilities to absorb carbon and can affect the ocean's ability to absorb carbon.

Regional changes and need for further research While the color of the Southern Indian Ocean changes significantly, the waters near India do not follow the same pattern, probably due to natural changes.

WAYFORWARD

Scientists said that people and policymakers should be aware of the importance of these changes and take the necessary measures to protect seawater.

Ongoing monitoring and further research are needed to understand regional differences and the overall impact of climate change on ocean color.

India's Climate Change Mitigation Initiatives

Launched in 2008 to address climate change challenges in India.

Aims to achieve low-carbon and climate-resilient development for India.

There are 8 national missions forming the core of the NAPCC which represent multi-pronged, long term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals in climate change. These are-

1. National Solar Mission,
2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency,
3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat,
4. National Water Mission,
5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem,
6. National Mission for A Green India,
7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture,
8. Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change,
9. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC),
10. National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC),
11. State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC),
12. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC),
13. Pledged to create additional carbon sink and achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
14. India's commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
15. Pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels and generate 50% of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.