Impact of climate change on marine environment
Climate change is having a significant impact on our marine environment according the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP) report card 2007-08 published today.
The report highlights the effect climate change has so far had on the UK’s marine environment and what the future impacts may be.
Key findings show:
- 2006 was the second warmest year for UK coastal waters since records began in 1870; with seven of the 10 warmest years in the last decade.
- Warmer winters have been strongly linked to reduced breeding success and survival in some seabird populations.
- Models predict fewer storms in future but there will be increased numbers of severe storms.
- Coastal erosion and flooding is expected to increase.
- The impacts of climate change on the commercial services provided by our seas will be significant. Sea-level rise, coastal flooding, storms and bigger waves will affect ports, shipping and built structures. Fishing and fish farming will be affected by temperature change and plankton (prey) availability.
Minister for Marine, Landscape and Rural Affairs, Jonathan Shaw said:
"The report card is a vital piece in the jigsaw of evidence we need to help us to combat climate change.
“Healthy seas are central to our wellbeing, shaping our climate as well as providing food and livelihoods.
“The MCCIP project shows the value of working together to protect the marine environment and to find sustainable solutions to the challenges we all face."
The MCCIP was launched in March 2005 and is a partnership between scientists, Government, its agencies, and NGOs. It aims to develop a long term approach to understanding and communicating the implications of climate change in our seas.
Defra’s national Water Strategy, which is to be published shortly, will reflect the fact that water is at the forefront of climate change and set out how we can meet the challenges this presents.
Further information
Page published: 16 January 2008