Climate change impacts on biological production in the Mediterranean Sea

The overlooked impacts of freshwater scarcity on oceans as evidenced by the Mediterranean Sea

Water stress is an urgent issue in many regions worldwide, particularly in southern European countries. This study reveals the consequences of decreased freshwater flow on marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea due to climate change and escalating water demands. A 41% reduction in river flow may result in a 10% decline in marine primary productivity and a 6% decrease in biomass of commercial fish and invertebrate species. Regional reductions…

Climate change impacts on biological production in the Mediterranean Sea

In just over 20 years, the northward shift of the subtropical jet stream—a high-altitude airflow—caused by climate change has reduced primary production in the northwestern Mediterranean by about 40%. This marked reduction—the highest ever described—affects the base of the marine food web and could significantly impact living resources, ecosystem health and marine dynamics in this region of the Mediterranean.

Losing Homes in “Climate Havens”

The Washington Post has some great reporting illustrating the steady, grinding effect of climate change on places that, even just a few years ago, most experts thought would be safe from the worst impacts. In this case, Northern Vermont, once named as the country’s top “climate haven.” After a series of unprecedented, but in hindsight, … Continue reading "Losing Homes in “Climate Havens”"

The northward drift of the jet stream has caused a 40% drop in marine primary production in the NW Mediterranean since 2000. That means less food for fish – and less carbon pulled from the atmosphere.