Will SpongeBob survive in global warming? | by Drizzle | Medium

Impact of Global Warming on Marine Life

The article discusses the effects of human-induced global warming on ocean ecosystems, specifically focusing on the increasing frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves. These heatwaves cause significant damage to coral reefs and other marine life, as seen in the 2015-2016 event in Western Australia which caused widespread coral bleaching.

Marine Heatwaves and their Causes

While the increase in global temperature is gradual, marine heatwaves cause rapid and drastic temperature increases, reaching over 7 degrees Celsius above average and lasting for weeks. The article highlights the current lack of a reliable alarm system for these heatwaves, as their causes are not fully understood. One suggested cause is abnormal air pressure, as evidenced by the 2019 Northeast Pacific heatwave caused by weaker-than-normal air pressure. Research is ongoing to understand the causes of both surface and subsurface heatwaves.

The Future of Marine Ecosystems

The article concludes by questioning the survival of marine ecosystems, using the popular cartoon character SpongeBob as a metaphor. Even if certain species survive, the state of their ecosystems will likely be severely altered. Key points raised include:

• The rate of human-induced warming (0.2 degrees Celsius per decade).
• The devastating effects of marine heatwaves on coral reefs.
• The current limitations in understanding and predicting marine heatwaves.
• The potential for even more severe impacts from subsurface marine heatwaves.