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How have the seas in the Maldives changed over the past few decades due to climate change?

Carra Fairbrass

As an expert in the field of marine science and climate change, I can confidently state that the seas in the Maldives have undergone significant changes over the past few decades due to climate change. The Maldives, being an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification.

Sea level rise is one of the most visible impacts of climate change on the Maldives. Over the past few decades, sea levels in the region have risen by an average of 0.9 mm per year, which is higher than the global average. This has resulted in the loss of coastal habitats, such as mangroves, which are essential breeding grounds for many marine species. The rise in sea level also increases the risk of flooding and erosion in coastal communities, which threatens the livelihoods of many Maldivians.

Another impact of climate change on the seas of the Maldives is coral bleaching. Coral reefs are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature, and the warming of the oceans can cause coral bleaching, which is the loss of the coral's symbiotic algae. This leads to the death of the coral, which has severe impacts on the marine ecosystem. Coral reefs provide essential habitat for a wide range of marine species, including fish, shells, and crustaceans. The loss of coral reefs can also lead to the loss of reef-dependent tourism industries, which contribute significantly to the Maldives' economy.

Ocean acidification is another impact of climate change that is affecting the seas of the Maldives. As the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the pH of the seawater decreases, making it more acidic. This has severe impacts on marine organisms, such as shellfish and mollusks, which are unable to build their shells in acidic waters. This, in turn, has significant impacts on the food chain, as these organisms are an essential food source for many marine species.

In conclusion, the seas of the Maldives have undergone significant changes over the past few decades due to climate change. The impacts of sea level rise, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification are severe and threaten the livelihoods of many Maldivians. As a global community, we must take action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the marine ecosystems of the Maldives and other vulnerable regions. Measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting coastal habitats, and promoting sustainable tourism practices can help protect the seas of the Maldives and ensure their continued health and biodiversity.