Climate Threat Global Challenges

The ocean is getting darker – threatening marine life

Between 2003 and 2022, a fifth of the world's oceans became darker, a new study shows according to The Guardian.

The majority of marine life lives in the upper zone where sunlight can reach and where plankton use photosynthesis. Even at a depth of 200 meters, sunlight is very weak.

In many places, the sunlit zone is now getting shallower, which worsens the conditions for life.

On the coasts, it is usually because cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface and because rain sweeps sediment from the land into the sea. Why it is now also happening far out to sea is unclear, but climate change is believed to be a cause.

– Ocean areas with greatly changed currents or warming caused by climate change seem to be darkening, such as the Antarctic Ocean and the Gulf Stream past Greenland, says researcher Thomas Davies at the University of Plymouth.

EU: “On track” to meet 2030 climate target

The EU is on track to meet its 2030 climate targets, the European Commission has announced.

According to a new assessment, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to fall by 54 percent by 2030, AFP reports. This is just short of the current target, which is to reduce emissions by 55 percent compared to 1990 levels.

The assessment is based on the member states’ climate and energy plans. However, the Commission stressed the importance of staying the course and fully implementing the measures it has committed to.

“We have reason to be proud, although we should not be complacent. We have come a long way, but we are not where we need to be yet,” says EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen. 

Climate change  Threats to biodiversity
Endangered puffin thrives on small British island

The global population of puffins is rapidly declining due to pollution, climate change and food shortages. However, they have found their paradise on Skomer Island, writes the BBC.

A record 43,626 puffins were counted this year on the 2.9-square-kilometre island off the western tip of Wales. The island's tourism director Rob Knott describes the count as "a horse's job".

- We divide the island into two sections and go out two hours before sunset, when most are on land. We take our hand counters and count everyone on land, then in the sea and in the air.

The abundant amounts of fish and the lack of predators are believed to contribute to the birds' prosperity. They, and the other seabirds on the island, attract 25,000 visitors annually.