The oceans play a very important role in moderating climate change by helping to regulate heat and carbon dioxide levels. It is therefore very important to understand the relationship between oceans and climate change in order to develop better policies to combat climate change. The oceans are vulnerable to the harmful effects of human greenhouse gas emissions. These impacts primarily include changes in air and water temperatures, increased ocean water levels, increased levels of ocean acidification, coastal erosion, and seasonal changes. Ocean acidification is caused by increasing atmospheric carbon and makes it more difficult for planktonic organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to form their shells to survive. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay The effects of acidification have been occurring since the beginning of the famous industrial revolution, where the pH of the oceans fell. This has led to coral bleaching, resulting in the death of the organisms that contribute to their formation (Buchheim, 1995). It is important to note that it is from these single-celled organisms that corals feed on for good nutrition. As a result, they are so weak and malnourished that they are unable to provide protection and shelter to other marine organisms. This poses a threat to the marine food chain and ecosystem. Rising ocean temperatures are another concerning change, as increased ocean warming strengthens ocean stratification. Ocean stratification hinders important processes such as photosynthesis and limits primary production, disrupting the marine food web. As ocean water warms, many species will be forced to migrate in order to maintain the temperature conditions they need to feed and reproduce. This affects people and industries that rely on the ocean for food and other natural resources. Upwelling zones, for example, make up some of the richest fishing grounds. Coral reefs are known to provide fish habitat and other protein-rich food sources for humans as well as tourist attraction sites. Ocean currents play an important role in providing nutrients necessary to sustain life in the marine ecosystem. Currents result from temperature variations associated with changes in attitude. Slow currents mean that fewer nutrients are delivered for the sustenance of ocean life, which in some way alters the marine ecosystem. Slow ocean currents also mean that there is excess carbon stored in the ocean, because there is enough fresh water brought in to neutralize the excess carbon. A high concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to an increase in global temperatures. This leads to thermal expansion of ocean water as well as melting of ice caps and therefore a rise in sea levels (Nicholls, R; et al. (2010)). It is therefore important to propose policies that have a carbon dioxide reduction benefit. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. The ocean is important for understanding how exactly the ocean is changing with global warming. A rise in sea level is a notable change in the oceans. Due to warming., 6, 684.