Tropicalisation

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

 

Source: TOI

Context: Climate change is causing a significant global phenomenon known as tropicalisation, where tropical species in the ocean are moving towards the poles, while temperate species are retreating.

  • This mass movement of marine life is driven by rising sea temperatures and marine heat waves due to climate change.
  • The trend is observed in areas with strong currents away from the equator, leading to consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, and potential impacts on the global economy.
  • The socio-economic impacts vary by region, influencing global fisheries, carbon storage, and tourism.