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In this episode of Know About Everything, we explore the ocean as Earth's most powerful climate regulator. Covering over 70% of the planet, the ocean absorbs more than 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gases and captures around 25% of human carbon emissions, acting as a natural buffer against global warming. Tiny phytoplankton in the ocean produce nearly half of the oxygen we breathe, while massive ocean currents like the Gulf Stream redistribute heat around the world, stabilizing temperatures and weather patterns.
However, the ocean's protective role comes with consequences. Excess carbon makes seawater more acidic, damaging coral reefs and marine life. Rising temperatures trigger marine heatwaves, melting polar ice, and disrupting global currents—leading to stronger storms and unpredictable climate shifts.
The episode highlights the importance of safeguarding Blue Carbon Ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and tidal marshes, which store carbon at rates far higher than rainforests while protecting coastlines. It also showcases emerging technologies—from AI ocean monitoring to coral restoration.
Ultimately, the message is clear: the ocean has been protecting humanity for centuries. Now, it is humanity's turn to protect the ocean.
By John ChrismanIn this episode of Know About Everything, we explore the ocean as Earth's most powerful climate regulator. Covering over 70% of the planet, the ocean absorbs more than 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gases and captures around 25% of human carbon emissions, acting as a natural buffer against global warming. Tiny phytoplankton in the ocean produce nearly half of the oxygen we breathe, while massive ocean currents like the Gulf Stream redistribute heat around the world, stabilizing temperatures and weather patterns.
However, the ocean's protective role comes with consequences. Excess carbon makes seawater more acidic, damaging coral reefs and marine life. Rising temperatures trigger marine heatwaves, melting polar ice, and disrupting global currents—leading to stronger storms and unpredictable climate shifts.
The episode highlights the importance of safeguarding Blue Carbon Ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and tidal marshes, which store carbon at rates far higher than rainforests while protecting coastlines. It also showcases emerging technologies—from AI ocean monitoring to coral restoration.
Ultimately, the message is clear: the ocean has been protecting humanity for centuries. Now, it is humanity's turn to protect the ocean.