Ocean in Peril: Understanding the Escalating Threat of Marine Heatwaves and Acidification

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Ocean sea life and coral reef. Credit: Francesco Ungaro, Unsplash.


As the planet grapples with climate change, our oceans are experiencing unprecedented shifts. Recent research by Joel Wong, Matthias Münnich, and Nicolas Gruber, Column‐Compound Extremes in the Global Ocean published in the Journal of Oceanic Studies into the increasing frequency, intensity, and spatial extent of compound marine extremes—particularly marine heatwaves combined with ocean acidification—highlights a looming crisis for global marine ecosystems. The study, conducted over nearly six decades, offers important insights into these phenomena and underscores the urgent need for global environmental strategies.

The Escalating Intensity of Marine Extremes

The study analyzes data from 1961 to 2020, revealing a concerning trend in the behavior of oceanic compound extremes, referred to as Column-Compound Extreme Events (CCX). These events, characterized by simultaneous occurrences of extreme heat and acidity, have become more intense and longer-lasting over the years. Such changes are primarily driven by global warming and increased carbon dioxide emissions, which not only warm but also acidify ocean waters at alarming rates.

Impact on Marine Life

The effects of these compound extremes are profound. Marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, kelp forests, and the myriad species dependent on them, face severe threats from prolonged exposure to extreme conditions. The study estimates that the habitable space within the water column has potentially reduced by up to 75%, a stark indication of the dire conditions many marine organisms now endure. This habitat compression threatens biodiversity, disrupts fishing industries, and jeopardizes the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems.

Geographic and Vertical Spread

The research identifies that these extremes are not uniformly distributed. Tropical and high latitude regions, known for their rich biodiversity, are the most affected. The impacts extend beyond the surface, complicating the survival conditions for species that cannot migrate to more hospitable waters.

Role of Climate Phenomena

El Niño and other climate phenomena play a significant role in modulating these compound events. The study highlights specific patterns and regional variations in CCX occurrences, linking them to broader climatic shifts that influence ocean currents and temperature distribution.

Need for Advanced Modeling Techniques

A key contribution of this research is the development of advanced models that enhance our understanding of CCX characteristics and drivers. These models are crucial for predicting future changes and implementing effective conservation strategies. They also serve as a vital tool for policymakers and environmental planners as they prepare to mitigate the effects of these changes.

Summing Up

The findings from the study serve as a clarion call for immediate action. Protecting our oceans from compound extremes requires global cooperation and innovative solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing marine conservation efforts. This research provides a foundation for understanding the scale of the problem and outlines the critical areas for needed interventions.

The preservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainability of our global ocean ecosystems depend on our ability to respond effectively to the challenges posed by climate change. Through informed policy-making and collaborative international efforts, there is hope for mitigating the impact of these profound marine disturbances.

Source: Wong, J., Münnich, M., & Gruber, N. (2024). Column‐Compound Extremes in the Global Ocean. Journal of Oceanic Studies, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.1029/2023AV001059.

The Pivotal Role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Biodiversity Conservation

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A social outcomes ladder of 6 types of roles of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in conservation governance, based on synthesis of 648 empirical studies.


As global biodiversity continues to face threats from various fronts, the role of Indigenous peoples (IPs) and local communities (LCs) has never been more crucial. A recent study published in One Earth underscores the need for an equitable governance approach that recognizes and empowers these groups, offering sustainable and effective solutions to conservation challenges. Let’s look at transformative roles that IPs and LCs can play in biodiversity conservation, in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework targets.

Understanding the Global Biodiversity Framework

The Global Biodiversity Framework, established during the Kunming-Montreal conference, sets ambitious targets to safeguard the planet’s biological resources. A key target within this framework is the conservation of 30% of land and sea areas by 2030 through equitably governed systems. This goal emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse values, ensuring rights to ancestral territories, upholding cultural practices, and involving all relevant actors in decision-making processes to achieve effective conservation outcomes.

Empirical Evidence and Ecological Outcomes

A comprehensive review of 648 empirical studies reveals that conservation initiatives where IPs and LCs have equal partnership or primary control lead to more positive ecological outcomes. This evidence strongly supports a governance model that respects and integrates the knowledge systems and customary practices of IPs and LCs, enhancing biodiversity conservation’s effectiveness and sustainability.

The Changing Paradigm of Conservation Governance

Traditional conservation methods often overlooked the intrinsic value and knowledge of IPs and LCs, limiting their roles to mere participants. However, a shift towards equitable governance is gaining momentum, where these communities are not only participants but leaders with significant control and recognition of their traditional values and institutions. This approach is proving essential for the ecological success of conservation efforts.

Roles of IPs and LCs in Governance

The typology of roles that IPs and LCs can assume in conservation governance ranges from excluded to autonomous.

The typology structure includes six distinct roles that reflect varying levels of participation, influence, and control:

  1. Excluded: IPs and LCs have no participation or benefits.

  2. Consultees: Minimal influence despite receiving some information or benefits.

  3. Stakeholders: Some ability to influence decisions but limited control.

  4. Partners: Equal partners or co-managers, sharing power in conservation efforts.

  5. Primary Control: Primary authority with respected leadership and rights, though not fully autonomous.

  6. Autonomous: Full autonomy with their knowledge and institutions fully recognized.

Each role on this spectrum provides insights into how different levels of involvement and control impact conservation outcomes. The findings advocate for policies that elevate IPs and LCs from mere stakeholders to leaders, recognizing their capability to manage and conserve natural resources effectively.

Overview of Intervention Types in Conservation Initiatives

Theories about involvement in conservation management suggest that decision-making is a complex process that includes many participants from different levels, all with their own interests and levels of power. The types of interventions identified in the reviewed cases include:

  • Protected and Conserved Areas (67.9%): Most common, focusing on designated areas for biodiversity preservation.

  • Livelihood Projects or Tourism Ventures (56.9%): Projects supporting sustainable livelihoods or integrating conservation with tourism.

  • Species Protection or Sustainable Use Regulations (53.9%): Efforts focused on specific species protection or sustainable resource use.

  • Local or Indigenous Stewardship (36.7%): Direct management or major influence by IPs and LCs in conservation efforts.

  • Ecosystem Restoration (15.7%): Initiatives aimed at restoring ecosystems to their natural states.

  • Incentives, Compensation, Revenue Sharing, or Market Instruments (13.6%): Economic tools to promote conservation.

  • Education and Capacity Building (10.6%): Focus on educating IPs and LCs and building their capacity for conservation.

This complexity means we need to carefully analyze how much influence different participants have at various stages of the conservation efforts. Instead of using simple measures like how often IPs and LCs attend meetings or their personal views on conservation, we should look more deeply at how meaningful their participation is and how the conservation processes are governed. This detailed examination will help us better understand the true role of IPs and LCs in making conservation decisions.

Statistical Analysis and Policy Implications

Statistical analyses corroborate that higher degrees of control and participation by IPs and LCs correlate with favorable ecological and social outcomes. These outcomes not only emphasize the need for a policy shift towards more inclusive governance but also highlight the importance of IPs and LCs in achieving the targets set by the Global Biodiversity Framework. The study suggests that empowering IPs and LCs is not just beneficial but necessary for the long-term success of global biodiversity conservation.

Summing Up

The pivotal role of IPs and LCs in biodiversity conservation is clear. By transitioning to governance models that provide full recognition and control to these communities, conservation efforts can be significantly more effective and equitable. It’s time for conservation policies and practices to reflect this reality, ensuring that IPs and LCs are at the forefront of the decision-making processes, thus safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

Source: Dawson, N. M., Coolsaet, B., Bhardwaj, A., Booker, F., Brown, D., Lliso, B., Loos, J., Martin, A., Oliva, M., Pascual, U., Sherpa, P., & Worsdell, T. (2024). Is it just conservation? A typology of Indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ roles in conserving biodiversity. One Earth.

The Impact of Climate Change on Arctic Streams: The Rise of “Orange” Waters

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Tracking the effects of iron mobilization on stream food webs. Images of a headwater tributary of the Akillik River in Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska, illustrating a shift from clearwater on June 12, 2017 (a) to orange stream conditions on August 30, 2018 (b). The blue arrows point to the same boulder near the confluence. c Stream food web data collected in before (September 2017) and after (September 2018) the color change demonstrates the reduction in benthic biofilmproduction, corresponding decline in benthic macroinvertebrate density, and a complete loss of resident fish (DV = Dolly Varden, SS = Slimy Sculpin). The open white circles in (c) represent observations where species absence was documented.


The Arctic is experiencing profound environmental changes due to climate change, with significant alterations in watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry. Hydrology is the scientific study of the movement, distribution, and management of water. Biogeochemistry is the scientific study of the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes and reactions that govern the composition of the natural environment.

A recent study highlights a concerning phenomenon: the discoloration of streams in Alaska’s Brooks Range, turning from clear to orange. This discoloration is attributed primarily to increased concentrations of iron and toxic metals, a direct result of permafrost thaw.

Permafrost Thaw and Metal Mobilization

Permafrost, perennially frozen ground that has remained so for two or more consecutive years, is a crucial component of the Arctic ecosystem. It acts as a massive reservoir for organic carbon and metals, which, when thawed, begin to mobilize into the watershed. The study documents that this thawing, exacerbated by rapid warming and increased snowfall over the last decade, is leading to the rusting of Arctic streams, visible in their striking orange coloration. This discoloration is primarily due to the mobilization of iron (Fe) and other metals through the process of sulfide mineral weathering.

Impact on Water Quality

The transition of these streams from clear to orange is not just a superficial change. It reflects a significant degradation in water quality, characterized by lower pH levels, higher turbidity, and increased concentrations of sulfate, iron, and trace metals. These environmental shifts pose a considerable risk to the aquatic ecosystems and the species that depend on them. The research indicates dramatic declines in macroinvertebrate diversity and fish abundance in affected streams, pointing to a broader ecological crisis.

Biological Consequences

The biological impact of these changes is profound. The study notes a marked decrease in the diversity and abundance of aquatic life, crucial for maintaining the health of these ecosystems. Fish species, a key component of local subsistence diets, are particularly affected, with populations dwindling as their habitats degrade.

Broader Implications for Local Communities

The implications of these environmental changes extend beyond ecology. For rural communities in Alaska, which rely heavily on subsistence fishing and natural water sources, the degradation of stream quality poses a direct threat to food security and water safety. The research emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention to mitigate these impacts and protect community health and livelihoods.



Conceptual models of hypothesized processes contributing to the discoloration of Arctic streams in Alaska’s Brooks Range. The illustration includes consequences for water quality, aquatic food webs, and human implications, including drinking water and subsistence fishing.

Urgent Measures Required

The discoloration of Arctic streams serves as a visible indicator of deeper environmental disturbances linked to climate change. This situation calls for urgent research and adaptive management strategies to address the impacts of permafrost thaw. It highlights the necessity for increased monitoring to track the progression of these changes and for developing strategies to mitigate their adverse effects on Arctic waterways and the communities that depend on them.

Summing Up

The rusting of Arctic streams is more than an environmental curiosity; it is a clarion call highlighting the urgent need for action in the face of climate change. As permafrost continues to thaw, understanding its impact on Arctic hydrology and biogeochemistry becomes crucial. This study lays the groundwork for further research and action, aiming to preserve the Arctic’s ecological integrity and ensure the health and safety of its inhabitants.