Climate change is caused by carbon in the atmosphere. The carbon molecules trap the heat from the sun causing the Earth to warm. As we continue to allow carbon into the atmosphere the hydrosphere (oceans), increases its intake of carbon as well. By 2030, some parts of the world will have warmed by 1.5°- 8°. 90% of this global warming heat will be absorbed by the oceans.

You can do your part, and persuade family members to change habits, by telling them about the effects of their habits. Talking and informing people about the effects of their actions is the best way to help prevent climate change. An easy way to help is by using public transport, walking or cycling where possible. A car carrying one person emits 89 pounds of CO2 per 100 miles, however a full bus only emits 14 pounds. Another simple way to help is by reducing your water waste. This could be by taking shorter showers, or turning your tap off whilst you brush your teeth. A more difficult, but effective way to change your habits is by using renewable energy sources. This could be by installing solar panels on your house to produce your own energy, the only downside to this is that it’s expensive and only entirely effective in tropical countries with plenty of sunlight.

A recent consequence of rising global temperatures in the oceans is coral bleaching. This is caused when corals are stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature. The coral reacts by expelling symbiotic algae which turns them completely white.

Dana Beach founded South Carolina’s Coastal Conservation League. Which is a non-profit organisation that raises awareness about the side effects of climate change and works to stop environmentally harmful practices like offshore drilling and plastic pollution. The organisation helps protect the marine environment.

There are many ways you can do your part in helping to stop climate change that don’t cost anything. By changing your ways and persuading people to change theirs we can help prevent climate change and protect the marine environments.