By Ricardo Salazar, SERC Chile researcher
Chile, a country with an extensive coastline of over 6,000 km and a heavy dependence on marine resources, faces significant challenges due to ocean warming and the presence of emerging pollutants in its waters. These environmental issues represent a threat to marine ecosystems, the economy, and the quality of life of coastal communities.
One of the most evident impacts of ocean warming in Chile is sea-level rise. The melting of glaciers and polar ice caps contributes to this elevation, resulting in the flooding of low-lying coastal areas and the loss of habitable land. This phenomenon puts entire communities at risk, threatens coastal infrastructure, and poses significant challenges for urban planning and climate change adaptation. Furthermore, changes in ocean currents due to rising water temperatures represent an additional concern. The Humboldt Current, vital for fishing in Chile, may be negatively affected. Alterations in these currents can affect nutrient availability and the distribution of marine species, which has a direct impact on the country's fishing and aquaculture industry. Declining catches and the loss of biological diversity threaten food security and the economy of coastal communities.
Another worrying effect of ocean warming is seawater acidification. The absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere leads to acidification, which negatively affects marine organisms that build their shells and skeletons from calcium carbonate, such as corals, mollusks, and plankton. The decline of these species not only alters marine ecosystems but also impacts the food chain and the adaptive capacity of fishing communities.
Ocean warming can also influence the formation of extreme weather events. Storm surges and anomalous swells, increasingly common and recurrent, can cause flooding and coastal erosion, increasing the vulnerability of communities and the degradation of coastal ecosystems.
Added to these challenges is the presence of emerging pollutants in the oceans. Ocean warming can increase the mobility and bioavailability of these pollutants, such as antibiotics, endocrine disruptors, and pesticides, among others, which in turn affects marine organisms and biogeochemical cycles. Furthermore, the accumulation of pollutants in marine products intended for human consumption raises concerns regarding food safety and public health.
In light of this situation, it is crucial that Chile take urgent and effective measures to address ocean warming at global, regional, and local levels. Among current and future measures are the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by fostering the transition to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, the reduction of deforestation, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. Another measure is related to the New Law for Nature and the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service, which will contribute to the protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems, helping to preserve marine biodiversity. The promotion of sustainable fishing practices, for its part, would encourage the conservation of fish stocks and minimize the impact on the marine environment. As Minister Echeverry (MINCTCI) has stated, it is important to invest in research and monitoring to better understand the effects of ocean warming and make informed decisions. This involves the study of impacts on marine ecosystems, the evaluation of mitigation and adaptation measures, and the monitoring of water quality and the health of marine ecosystems—the latter in conjunction with public education and awareness. Finally, it is necessary to strengthen international agreements and commitments, such as the Paris Agreement, and foster collaboration between countries in the sustainable management of oceans and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
