Introduction: The Imminent Crisis in Marine Ecosystems
Oceans absorb 90% of the Earth’s excess heat, but now these very oceans are facing unprecedented ecological imbalance. A 2025 study published in Communications Earth & Environment warns that even if global temperature rise is limited to 1.5°C under the Paris Agreement, melting ice sheets will still raise sea levels and displace millions. For UPSC aspirants, this topic is extremely important for GS Paper III (Environment) and essays on climate change. Let’s analyze the causes, impacts, and solution strategies.
Why Are Sea Temperatures Rising?
1. Trapped Heat and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
90% of the excess heat generated by burning fossil fuels is absorbed by the oceans.
CO₂ levels (420 ppm in 2025) trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space.
2. Melting Polar Ice and Changes in Ocean Currents
Greenland and Antarctica are losing 475 billion tons of ice every year—four times more than the 1990s.
The meltwater disrupts thermohaline circulation, reducing oxygen levels in deep waters.
3. Human-Induced Pollution
Every year, 23 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans, endangering marine life.
Industrial waste and oil spills damage habitats such as coral reefs.
Impacts of Rising Sea Temperatures
1. Intensified Storms and Coastal Flooding
Tropical cyclones have become 30% more intense since 1985.
Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and other cities could face $1 trillion in annual flood losses by 2050.
2. Loss of Biodiversity
At 1.5°C warming, 70–90% of coral reefs may be destroyed, disrupting the food chain.
Arctic species like seals and polar bears are losing their habitats as ice shrinks by 13% per year.
3. Economic and Social Displacement
230 million people live within 1 meter of sea level; 1 billion people within 10 meters.
Sundarbans and Maldives face existential threats from saltwater intrusion.
Solution Strategies for a Sustainable Future
1. Global Climate Agreements
Paris Agreement targets need to be stricter: Limit temperature rise to 1°C to save polar ice.
Promote blue carbon projects (mangroves, seagrass) to absorb CO₂.
2. Pollution Control Measures
UNEP’s Global Plastic Treaty: Aim to reduce plastic waste by 80% by 2040.
Promote circular economy to minimize industrial waste.
3. Coastal Adaptation Plans
Build storm-resistant infrastructure (example: Netherlands’ Delta Works model).
Relocate vulnerable communities based on climate risk maps.
Case Study: India’s Coastal Vulnerability
12.5% of India’s population (160 million) lives in coastal districts.
Mumbai could lose 40% of its area to sea level rise by 2100.
Government Initiatives:
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme (ICZMP)
Why This Is Important for UPSC Preparation
1. GS Paper III (Environment)
Link temperature rise to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Discuss National Marine Policy and India’s INDC targets.
2. Essay and Ethics Papers
Topics: “Climate Justice in a Warming World” or “Ocean Conservation vs. Economic Development”
Use data such as coral bleaching in Lakshadweep or migration from Sundarbans.
3. Current Affairs and Case Studies
2025 IPCC Report highlights tipping points in ice melt.
Kigali Amendment reducing HFCs and its impact on ocean acidification.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
Prioritize Climate Metrics: Track CO₂ levels, ice melt rates, and ocean pH in your notes.
Connect Local and Global Examples: Compare Mumbai’s flood management with Jakarta’s.
Focus on Solutions: Highlight innovations like tidal energy in Gujarat.
Internal Links:
India’s Climate Policy Framework
Marine Biodiversity Conservation
External References:
For daily updates on environment and climate change, visit Atharva Examwise.
