Earth’s Oceans Changing Colors Due to Climate Change, Study Reveals

Recent research published in Nature reveals that over the past 20 years, more than half of the world’s oceans have experienced a significant shift in color, indicating profound changes in marine ecosystems, Earth.com reported yesterday.

Scientists, including Stephanie Dutkiewicz from MIT, have linked these color changes to human-driven climate change rather than natural variations.

The study shows that tropical regions near the equator are becoming greener, largely due to changes in phytoplankton populations, which are essential for capturing carbon dioxide and supporting marine life. Phytoplankton’s color is influenced by chlorophyll, and shifts in their communities could disrupt the marine food web.

Lead author B.B. Cael emphasizes that this phenomenon illustrates the extensive impact of human activities on Earth’s biosphere. Monitoring ocean color offers a tangible method to assess climate change effects, underscoring the urgent need for action to mitigate these changes and protect marine environments.