What effect does climate change have on marine biodiversity?

Climate change poses significant threats to marine biodiversity, primarily due to the myriad of environmental changes it precipitates. As global temperatures rise, oceans warm, which can lead to shifts in species distributions as organisms seek suitable habitats. Additionally, changes in ocean chemistry, such as ocean acidification from increased carbon dioxide levels, adversely affect marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, like coral reefs and shellfish.

These stresses can lead to decreased populations and, in extreme cases, push certain species towards extinction, particularly those that are already vulnerable due to other factors like habitat destruction or overfishing. The interconnectedness of marine ecosystems means that the loss of certain species can have cascading effects, further destabilizing marine environments and threatening overall biodiversity.

In contrast, while some species may find advantages in a warming climate, such as increased abundance in certain areas, this does not outweigh the overarching trend of heightened extinction risks across many species. Therefore, the assertion that climate change risks species extinction aligns with well-established scientific understanding of the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.