Oceans, which absorb much of human CO₂ emissions, are losing their ability to do so due to climate change, worsening global warming.
Ocean absorbs less carbon dioxide
The ocean absorbs about 30 percent of human-generated carbon dioxide emissions, but its ability to do so has declined by around 6 percent, according to a new United Nations report. Climate change impacts ocean’s role
Climate change is reducing the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, as rising temperatures and changes in ocean chemistry, circulation, and ecosystems interfere with this natural process. Consequences of reduced absorption
As the ocean absorbs less CO₂, a greater proportion of the gas remains in the atmosphere, which contributes to further global warming and climate change effects. Report released ahead of COP31
The United Nations report was published in advance of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP31, to highlight the growing challenges faced by the planet’s climate system.
