International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 21-28 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 22 Global warming has led to an increase in sea water temperature, posing a threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The phenomenon of ocean acidification is also intensifying, affecting the survival of many marine organisms. Furthermore, climate change has altered ocean currents and ecological niches within marine ecosystems. All these factors may influence the dispersion and behavior of plastic debris, making it a critically observed issue. The presence of plastic debris has become a global environmental problem. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste are discharged into the oceans, causing serious harm to marine organisms and ecosystems (Depledge et al., 2013). Plastic debris not only threatens the survival of marine life but may also enter the food chain, ultimately impacting humans. Of particular concern is that the dispersion and distribution patterns of plastic debris in the oceans may be influenced by climate change, yet this relationship has not been fully researched and understood. This study will begin by reviewing the mutual relationship between climate change and the marine environment to better comprehend the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. The authors will explore the distribution and dispersion patterns of plastic debris in the oceans, analyze the sources and mechanisms of plastic waste, and conduct a detailed investigation into how climate change affects plastic debris in the oceans. This includes the effects of temperature rise, ocean acidification, and changes in ocean currents, aiming to understand their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. The objective of this review is to delve into the potential influences of climate change on the spread of plastic debris in the oceans, thereby enhancing our understanding of the interconnection between these two global issues. The findings of this research are expected to provide valuable insights into understanding the relationship between climate change and plastic debris in the oceans, offering useful references for protecting the marine environment and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. 1 Climate Change and the Marine Environment 1.1 Basic concepts of climate change When referring to climate change, it generally denotes the long-term variations in the Earth's climate system, encompassing changes in various meteorological elements such as temperature, precipitation patterns, and wind directions. Climate change is the complex result of interactions between the natural world and human activities, with its impacts spanning globally and exerting profound effects on the Earth's environment, society, and economy (Li, 2019). The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon present in the Earth's atmosphere. Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere, reaching the Earth's surface, and a portion of the Earth's radiation is absorbed and re-radiated back to the surface by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. This process helps maintain the Earth's temperature within a range suitable for life. However, human activities, particularly widespread industrialization and the extensive use of fossil fuels, have led to the excessive emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This enhances the greenhouse effect, making it more intense and resulting in global warming. Global warming is a primary manifestation of climate change, referring to the increase in the Earth's average temperature. Since the late 19th century, the Earth's temperature has been consistently rising, with this trend becoming more pronounced towards the end of the 20th century. Global warming has led to increased frequency and intensity of meteorological events such as heavy rainfall, hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves. The melting of glaciers and Arctic ice caps, coupled with the thermal expansion of seawater (Figure 2), contributes to a rise in global sea levels, posing a threat to coastal areas. Global warming has resulted in the escalation of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and droughts, with widespread impacts on ecosystems and socio-economic systems. Long-term observational data reveals trends in climate change, including rising temperatures, alterations in precipitation patterns, and the heightened occurrence of climate events. Climate change has impacted the distribution of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the survival of species. It has led to the instability of water resources, including droughts and floods, posing a threat to crop yields and food security. Climate change may result in the expansion of the range of infectious diseases, increased risks of heat stress, and respiratory diseases. Naturally, it has widespread impacts on the economy, including reduced agricultural yields, increased disaster costs, and alterations in investment risks.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==