Have you ever wondered what would happen to life in the future if climate change continues at this rate? Climate change is harming our environment especially when it comes to it’s effects on our waters. Earth is made up of 71% of water, and 3% of freshwater. That being said, 2.5% of earth’s freshwater is unavailable. That leaves approximately 0.5% of earth’s freshwater available. With decreasing amounts of drinking water left due to pollution, marine life and human life is at risk. From oil spills to plastic waste in our oceans and freshwaters, and algae which depletes oxygen from water, our food supplies have become limited.  Not only has water pollution killed off our food sources, but has caused severe droughts and sea level risings which people in certain areas were unprepared for. Unfortunately, this has resulted in people losing their homes and jobs, as well as with loved ones. Jennifer Gray from CNN states that “This [water pollution] could have dramatic impacts on the fisheries, recreation and the day-to-day weather in the Great Lakes region”. Not only do sea food eaters have less to eat, but this also affects the income of those working at the fisheries.  

Humans aren’t the only ones suffering, however. Animals all over the world are taking a huge hit too. Something has to change fast to save the animals. A study found that unless greenhouse gases are severely reduced climate change could cause almost a quarter of all land animals to become extinct. However it’s not only just the land animals that are taking a hit. Sea animals like whales,seals and dolphins need shallow waters to raise their small calves but with the sea level constantly rising this is making it harder and harder to raise their calves. Sea turtles also need beaches in order to nest their babies and with many pieces of land going underwater it’s making it extremely difficult for the turtles to hatch their eggs.

As Temperature has been increasing so has the amount of mass coral bleaching. The increased CO2 being absorbed into the ocean has also caused a decline in calcification rates in reef-building by the altered pH in the water. This is also known as ocean acidification. Many sea animals thrive off of the coral reef ecosystem and are beginning to struggle dramatically as these reefs become harder and harder to come upon as many are dying out. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. The Department of Commerce states that, “…all of these impacts dramatically alter ecosystem function, as well as the goods and services coral reef ecosystems provide to people around the globe.” Climate change has also made tropical storms a lot stronger just destroying the coral reefs all together. Some ways you can help reduce the risk of damaging coral reefs are to reduce the use of lawn and garden chemicals you use. You should also not dump household chemicals down storm drains which pollutes our oceans. If possible, also try to volunteer for beach and waterway cleanups.