The research, led by the University of Bristol and published in Nature, compares for the first time how tiny ocean organisms called plankton responded when the world last warmed significantly in ancient history with what is likely to happen under similar conditions by the end of our century.
Findings revealed the plankton were unable to keep pace with the current speed of temperature rise, putting huge swathes of marine life—including fish which depend on these organisms for food—in peril.
Lead author Dr. Rui Ying, who led the project as part of his Ph.D. in marine ecology at the University of Bristol, said, “The results are alarming, as even with the more conservative climate projections of a 2°C increase, it is clear plankton cannot adjust quickly enough to match the much faster rate of warming which we’re experiencing now and looks set to continue.
“Plankton are the lifeblood of the oceans, supporting the marine food web and carbon storage. If their existence is endangered, it will present an unprecedented threat, disrupting the whole marine ecosystem with devastating wide-reaching consequences for marine life and also human food supplies.”