A recent study led by researchers from the University of Exeter and Cardiff University warns that climate change could reduce biodiversity in the ocean’s twilight zone (200 to 1,000 meters deep) by 20-40% by the end of this century. If greenhouse gas emissions remain high, significant depletion of life in this region could occur within 150 years, with no chance for recovery for thousands of years. The research examined past warm climates, revealing that increased temperatures lead to faster degradation of organic matter by bacteria, resulting in less food reaching the twilight zone. The study utilized evidence from two historical warm periods and Earth System Model simulations, suggesting that changes may already be underway. The study emphasizes the urgent need for rapid emissions reduction to mitigate these impacts. Even low-emission scenarios present significant risks compared to medium and high-emission scenarios. The twilight zone, crucial for the ocean’s carbon cycle, is often overlooked despite being home to diverse organisms and significant organic material recycling. A UN initiative, JETZON, aims to enhance understanding of this vital habitat, which supports the world’s largest and least-exploited fish stocks. The research underscores the potential long-term consequences of climate change on important marine ecosystems.
