The ocean significantly influences climate change, acting as a major regulator of its effects.
The ocean plays a dual role in mitigating climate change, primarily through its capacity as a massive heat and carbon sink.
The Ocean's Role in Climate Change Mitigation
Here's a breakdown of how the ocean affects climate change:
Heat Absorption
- The Ocean as a Heat Sink: The ocean absorbs a substantial amount of excess heat from the atmosphere, significantly reducing the overall warming of the planet. According to a reference, oceans are the largest heat sink on the planet.
- Quantitative Impact: The ocean absorbs a significant amount of the excess heat caused by climate change. They absorb 90% of the excess heat caused by climate change.
Carbon Dioxide Absorption
- The Ocean as a Carbon Sink: The ocean absorbs a considerable amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, helping to reduce the concentration of this greenhouse gas.
- Quantitative Impact: The ocean absorbs a significant percentage of human-caused CO2 emissions. Oceans are also a very efficient carbon sink, absorbing 23% of human-caused CO2 emissions.
In summary, the ocean's capacity to absorb both heat and carbon dioxide plays a crucial role in moderating the effects of climate change.
