Big Issue: Climate Change
What does climate change have to do with the sea?
Scientists agree that global warming is causing the world’s ice to melt with the result
that the world’s seas are gradually rising. As sea levels rise, coastal areas are badly
affected by flooding and erosion. Global warming also affects life along the coast and
in the sea. Habitats change, meaning that animals and plants need to adapt to
survive. Sadly, most species aren’t able to adapt fast enough – evolution works
slower than global warming.
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As you’re exploring the coast see if you can think about ways higher sea
levels and a warmer climate might change what you are seeing in the future
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When you are visiting sites along the coast ask staff at reserves and in
museums and other venues (such as lifeboat houses) how they see climate
change impacting the environment and their work. Are they noticing
differences in habitats and animal populations?
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Use the information below to help you understand, and ask good questions!
Global warming changes how the sea behaves
Changes to the temperature of the planet affect the weather with stronger winds and
storms causing higher waves, leading to stronger surges onto the coast. These
stronger waves threaten fragile habitats such as salt marshes, sand dunes, silt,
reedbeds and coastal wetlands. These habitats may be completely flooded,
damaged by rough seas or left more salty than normal.
Global warming affects the way that colder and warmer streams of water move
around the oceans throughout the seasons. Animals move around in these great
ocean streams, finding sources of food and places to breed. The temperature of the
water is a very important aspect of the ecosystem for each species. These changes
affect their normal movements, breeding cycles and feeding chains.
In future decades, the sea may be noticeably higher, permanently flooding areas that
are now lived in by humans and animals.
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How does climate change affect this coast?
The sea off the Northumberland and Berwickshire coast is called the Northern North
Sea.
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Studies by the National Trust have shown that some birds such as terns
which have traditionally nested by the sea’s edge will move further inland to
escape stormier conditions. Other marine animals such as seals face the loss
of breeding grounds as shingle beaches are swept away and caves flooded.
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Certain species such as limpets and plankton are moving north to find waters
that are cooler. These may dominate and displace native species. Animals
that feed on these native species may not adapt easily to new types of food.
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Warmer winters may have led to reduced numbers of sandeels, which are the
staple food for kittiwakes and puffins.
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Importantly, not all of the effects are known and they change all the time.
Getting informed and involved
Climate change is the biggest long term challenge faced by those responsible for the
conservation of coastal and marine environments. However, their everyday work
may be taken up with managing more immediate issues such as litter, pollution, fish
stocks or land planning. You can help by:
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reducing their workload by keeping coastal areas clean and cared for
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volunteering to help scientists do research by observing animal populations
and their habitats
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raising awareness to encourage others to reduce carbon emissions that
contribute heavily to global warming
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reducing your family’s own ‘carbon footprint’.
Find out how to get involved with environmental project related to the coast by
looking at the ‘Get Involved’ section of the Our Coast Our Sea website
www.ourcoastoursea.org/get-involved
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