Climate change and marine ecosystems: Implications for human health

Despite serious progress in the development of nonconventional energy resources, fossil fuel continues to remain the most convenient source of energy across the globe. Ever-increasing usage of fossil fuels has resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, which has resulted in global warming and climate change. While the degree of warming varies across various geographical locations, there is a consensus that the net effect of increasing CO2 emissions is that of warming. Another effect is the increased dissolution of CO2 in sea water resulting in ocean acidification. This has dire consequences for marine life, especially to the calcareous shell-forming organisms such as molluskans. There is also clear-cut evidence that the harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in frequency and intensity, leading to massive fish kills and entry of potential toxins to the food chain, endangering even human life. Warming trends in the subtropics and near-polar regions also favor mesophilic pathogens to extend their range to these regions. The characteristic feature of climate change is the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events. It is a sobering thought that the countries affected, both developed and developing, do not have the wherewithal to fight against the powers of nature and are in danger of incurring losses, both economic and lives.