What does it mean for our planet?

The world is witnessing the intense and dangerous consequences of climate change, in which humans undoubtedly play an important role.

Over the past two decades, scientists have observed a subtle but widespread change in the color of the oceans.

In a study published in NatureResearchers from the UK’s National Oceanography Center and other institutions revealed that more than half of the world’s oceans have experienced a color change.

They further found that these changes cannot be attributed solely to natural fluctuations, but are likely caused by human-driven climate change.

Although these changes may not be noticeable when you’re on the beach, they are clearly visible from planes and satellites in space.

Stephanie Dutkiewicz, senior research scientist, said: “We hope people take this seriously. It is not just the models that predict these changes; “Now we can see them happening and the ocean is changing.”

Tropical regions near the equator have become greener over time and this is not just a change in appearance. It reflects changes in the ecosystem.

The color of the ocean is affected by the content of its upper layers, particularly tiny organisms such as phytoplankton.

What is phytoplankton?

Phytoplankton is a microscopic, plant-like organism that contains chlorophyll, which gives it its green color.

They play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and are also a fundamental part of marine nutrition.

Why does the color of the ocean matter?

Fluctuation in phytoplankton population can cause ripple effects in marine ecosystems and impact all creatures that depend on phytoplankton and influence the global carbon cycle.