
Global Climate Change is something that as residents on this planet we are starting to see the effects of.  These effects are starting with the ocean and many people don't realize that the ocean affects us greatly on land.  Some of these problems that we are already seeing in the ocean include sea level rise, ocean warming, and ocean acidification.  The question that I pose is, how is global warming effecting phytoplankton and how can we prevent these problems on a broader scale?  To figure this question first one must understand the importance of phytoplankton.  Then, one must understand the effects of global warming on phytoplankton thus far and the predicted effects.  Afterwards, the related general global jurisdiction on the subject is needed.

Phytoplankton are small organisms that live in the surface waters of the ocean.  In a sense they are microscopic plants that float with the current performing photosynthesis.  In fact, "planktonic photosynthesis accounts for roughly half of the primary productivity on earth and plays an important role in the ocean's carbon cycle" (Provencher).  If phytoplankton account for half of the primary productivity on earth, that means that every other breath someone takes is directly tied to these creatures.  While they play an important role in photosynthesis and respiration, these organisms are the basis of the food chain, getting eaten by zooplankton, larger fish and so on up the trophic levels.  They are in such high demand that, "the entire phytoplankton biomass of the world's oceans is consumed by filter feeders, from barnacles to baleen whales, every 2 to 6 days" (Provencher).  Photosynthetic plankton are not harvested like fish or other organisms in the oceans so, "adjustments in distribution and abundance can be attributed to changing environmental factors" (Provencher).  By examining these distribution patterns scientists are learning the effects climate change is having on broader scale marine ecosystems.

The importance of these tiny organisms goes from the marine environment to the terrestrial environment.  There have been studies suggesting the changes in marine ecosystems due to climate change, which starts with phytoplankton because, "studies show that when phytoplankton populations suffer, so do other species in the surrounding area" (Provencher).  One study explored the effect of climate change on diatoms, which are an important phytoplankton species in food webs.  Their study suggested that, "climate change leads to more nutrient-depleted conditions in the surface ocean," which leads smaller and less phytoplankton at the expense of diatoms (Bopp).  A change in ecosystem like this can impact the efficiency of the surrounding waters, "thus contributing to the positive feedback between climate change and the ocean carbon cycle" (Bopp).  Even a study done by William Li, Morgan Xose, and Urrutia Angel suggests the same findings of, "a gradual shift toward smaller primary producers in a warmer ocean," which also suggests alterations in the functioning of marine ecosystems.  For shell bearing plankton, ocean acidification, which is due to the oceanic intake of carbon dioxide, can cause the dissolution of their calcium carbonate shells. Plankton are even seen migrating northward towards colder waters due to a warming of tropical oceans (Provencher).  Since phytoplankton are the basis of the food web, other organisms are seen moving northward as well, which could negatively effect food sources and fishing industries for 3rd world countries located in these areas. 

Currently, Global Warming is a controversial topic, especially in the political world when it comes to passing different forms of legislation.  Due to climate change not being completely factual it is difficult to make abrupt changes in our emissions because, "a very rapid reduction would probably cause social and economic chaos" (Gardiner).  Some of the controversy in the topic involves media dealing with major political heads such Ted Cruz who argues, "that based on data from satellites, there has been no significant warming whatsoever for the last 18 years," which contradicts the announcement made by NOAA and NASA, "that 2015 was the hottest year on record by a sizable margin" (Mooney).  There are also some political heads that have been trying to address the topic is a different way which was demonstrated by the Climate Change Conference in Paris.  Some documents that were released after the conference included agreements, "holding global average temperatures to below 1.5  C or well below 2  C above pre-industrial temperatures" (Mooney).  Another one of the discussions during the conference involved, "precisely how much money wealthier countries will contribute to helping developing nations both weather climate change and finance clean energy transitions" (Mooney).  These types of agreements are progressive legislative ways of dealing with this controversial topic.  

Global warming is an issue that is still up for debate.  Whether the differences in marine ecosystems are tied to global warming or not there are still noticeable changes in environments.  Some politicians and citizens recognize these changes while others do not, but there are still middle grounds that can be reached from both sides of the debate.

