11 Oceans in danger!

OCEANS IN DANGER! The Earth's climate is getting warmer—which is bad news for the oceans. Rising temperatures affect the life cycles of certain sea creatures, threatening their survival. GLOBAL WARMING. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, build up in the atmosphere. This causes a greenhouse effect, as the gases stop heat from leaving the Earth's atmosphere—just like the glass windows that keep a greenhouse warm. The sun's heat passes into the atmosphere. Some of the heat reflects off into space. Some of the heat is trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases.

WHAT CAUSES IT? * Burning fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil to generate electricity and power vehicles. When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. * Cutting down trees that absorb carbon dioxide. They are the world's best natural air filters! * Cows' burping and farting releases lots of methane. In addition, forests are often cut down to clear land for them to graze. THINGS THAT MAKE THE OCEAN SAD... Warming seas and increased amounts of carbon dioxide and pollution in the water are destroying coral reefs. This leads to the loss of many fish and other animals. Millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year. Ocean animals can accidentally eat tiny bits of plastic in the water, or get caught in the garbage.