The effect of oceans rising to climate regulation

The oceans have always been the Earth’s natural thermostat, playing a critical role in regulating global climate. But as sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, the impact on climate regulation is becoming a major concern. 

Oceans are warming, expanding, and absorbing more carbon, but they can only take so much before the system starts to break down. Let’s explore how oceans rising are affecting the planet’s climate regulation.

Why the oceans matter for climate regulation

Oceans cover 71% of Earth’s surface and hold about 95% of the planet’s water, making them the largest carbon sink and heat absorber we’ve got. They don’t just sit there looking blue and peaceful—they actively absorb about 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases and 23% of human-caused CO₂ emissions. This process is essential for keeping the planet from overheating too quickly.

But oceans are under pressure. Rising temperatures and increased levels of dissolved carbon dioxide are pushing their natural systems to the brink. As they warm, expand, and rise, their ability to regulate the climate is changing—sometimes in ways we’re still struggling to understand.

Sea level rise and its impact on coastal areas

Sea levels have been rising at an accelerating rate. Over the past century, global sea levels have risen by about 8-9 inches, and this trend is speeding up. 

The primary causes? Ice melting from glaciers and ice sheets and the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. Some areas, like the U.S. Gulf Coast, are experiencing even more rapid sea level increases.

This isn’t just higher water levels, though. What happens when storms hit is also worth thinking about. 

Higher seas mean storm surges can push farther inland, putting millions of people, their homes, and infrastructure at greater risk. Coastal flooding and shoreline erosion are becoming more frequent and intense. 

When sea level rises, even minor storms can cause significant damage, disrupting everything from local economies to food supplies.

Warming oceans disrupt climate patterns

The warming of the oceans doesn’t just affect sea levels—it also messes with the currents. These currents are crucial for distributing heat across the planet. 

For example, the Gulf Stream, which helps keep Western Europe’s climate relatively mild, could be slowed down by the warming and changing composition of ocean water. As these currents change, so do weather patterns.

Warmer ocean temperatures can also fuel stronger tropical storms and hurricanes, which are more destructive and deadly. This means more extreme weather events that are harder to predict and prepare for.

Ocean acidification and its domino effect on ecosystems

As oceans absorb more CO₂, they become more acidic. The rising acidity level is bad news for marine life, particularly for organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons—think coral reefs, mollusks, and some species of plankton. 

As these organisms struggle to survive, the entire food chain is affected, from the tiniest plankton to the largest predators.

Coral reefs, for example, are already suffering from mass bleaching events due to rising temperatures, and acidification is making it harder for them to recover. If coral reefs collapse, it’s not just a biodiversity issue—these ecosystems protect coastlines, support fisheries, and provide income through tourism.

The carbon cycle under threat

One of the oceans’ most vital functions is storing carbon. Coastal ecosystems, like mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass beds, store huge amounts of carbon—often more than forests on land. 

But as sea levels rise and these ecosystems are degraded or lost, their ability to sequester carbon is reduced. This means more CO₂ stays in the atmosphere, accelerating climate change further.

Additionally, the changing chemistry of the oceans is impacting how much carbon they can store. The more CO₂ they absorb, the less effective they become at soaking it up over time. 

It’s a vicious cycle: as oceans become more acidic and lose their ability to sequester carbon, the climate heats up faster, and the seas rise even more.

The bigger picture

The rising oceans are a glaring reminder that the effects of climate change are interconnected. Melting ice caps, stronger storms, disrupted ecosystems, and coastal flooding—all of these are influenced by the way oceans are changing. The planet’s climate regulation systems are straining to keep up, and the effects are being felt by people, wildlife, and ecosystems worldwide.

As global temperatures rise, the ocean’s ability to mitigate these impacts weakens. The sea level will continue to rise, coastal communities will face greater risks, and the climate patterns we’ve come to rely on will shift unpredictably. It’s a clear sign that we need stronger efforts to address climate change and protect the natural systems that keep the Earth in balance.