Health of oceans ‘spiralling downward’ faster than thought

The health of the oceans is “spiralling downward” faster than previously thought as a result of climate change, pollution and over-fishing, scientists have warned.

An international assessment of climate change last week revealed the oceans are absorbing much of the warming and unprecedented levels of carbon dioxide caused by human activity such as burning fossil fuels. Now experts warn the impact of rising greenhouse gases combined with other problems is far graver than previously thought.

Oceans are being hit by decreasing oxygen levels caused by climate change and increased nutrient run-off from agriculture and sewage, and are becoming more acidic as more carbon dioxide dissolves into the sea, both of which harm wildlife.