Name: What ocean microbes reveal about the changing climate
Uploaded: 2020-01-24T15:49:05Z
Duration: 12 min 56 s
Description: When the ocean changes, the planet changes -- and it all starts with microbes, says biological oceanographer Angelicque White. Backed by decades of data, White shares how scientists use these ancient microorganisms as a crucial barometer of ocean health -- and how we might rejuvenate them as marine temperatures steadily rise.

Angelicque White: What ocean microbes reveal about the changing climate

What ocean microbes reveal about the changing climate

When the ocean changes, the planet changes -- and it all starts with microbes, says biological oceanographer Angelicque White. Backed by decades of data, White shares how scientists use these ancient microorganisms as a crucial barometer of ocean health -- and how we might rejuvenate them as marine temperatures steadily rise.

The health of Earth's oceans is intimately tied to the microscopic organisms living within them. In just a single milliliter of seawater, hundreds of thousands of plankton help produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and support marine food webs. Long-term research reveals that harmful algal blooms and ocean acidification are linked to climate change, impacting fisheries and coral reefs alike. Despite mounting threats, ocean ecosystems show resilience, and sustained observation gives humanity a chance to adapt and repair the damage.