What is a significant outcome of climate change on aquatic habitats?

Climate change significantly impacts aquatic habitats through phenomena such as coral bleaching and habitat loss. As ocean temperatures rise, coral reefs, which are highly sensitive to temperature changes, experience stress that can lead to the expulsion of symbiotic algae, known as zooxanthellae. This process, commonly referred to as coral bleaching, impairs the coral's ability to photosynthesize, affecting their growth and reproduction.

Additionally, rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased storm frequency further exacerbate habitat loss for many aquatic species, leading to declines in biodiversity. Coral reefs are essential ecosystems that provide shelter and nourishment for a vast array of marine life. When these structures degrade, the entire ecological balance is disrupted, resulting in decreased species diversity and abundance.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for recognizing how climate change poses a serious threat to not just coral reefs but the broader marine environment and the services they provide.