Global warming, human waste continue to pose threat to Baltic Sea

Global warming, human waste continue to pose threat to Baltic Sea
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The Baltic Sea remains under growing environmental pressure as climate change and human-generated pollution continue to degrade one of the world’s most fragile marine ecosystems, Anadolu Agency reported citing environmental experts and regional monitoring bodies.

Rising global temperatures have intensified the warming of the Baltic Sea, which is heating faster than many other seas due to its shallow depth and limited water exchange. Warmer waters reduce oxygen levels, worsen algal blooms, and disrupt marine biodiversity. Scientists warn that prolonged heatwaves have contributed to expanding “dead zones,” where fish and other organisms cannot survive.

At the same time, human waste remains a major threat. Nutrient runoff from agriculture, untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater, and industrial pollution continue to flow into the sea from surrounding countries. These nutrients fuel excessive algae growth, further depleting oxygen and harming fisheries.