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Science In Action: Drowning coastal ecosystems

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Drowning Coastal Ecosystems

31/08/2023 GMT

Drowning coastal ecosystems

BBC World Service - Science In Action, Drowning coastal ecosystems

Coastal ecosystems around the world are at risk of disappearing as sea levels rise

Coastal ecosystems around the world are at risk of disappearing as global temperatures and sea levels rise.

Global sea levels are rising more than 3mm per year under current climate conditions. At this rate we are due to hit an alarming 7mm rise per year by the end of the century. If this is not slowed, it could lead to the drowning of essential coastal ecosystems like mangroves and lagoons, professor of environmental science Neil Saintilan tells Science in Action. 

The seas are also heating up. We’ve covered the devastating effect of marine heatwaves on vibrant sea life like coral reefs before. But what about the less glamourous bottom-dwelling fish? Ecologist Alexa Fredston has found that they may be more robust than we think.  

Also this week, bird virus expert Michelle Wille tells us about the imminent threat of bird flu spreading from South America to Antarctica where hundreds of thousands of sea birds are at risk. 

And from one south pole to another, we have an update on how India’s mission on the lunar south pole is going with Lunar and Planetary Institute scientist David Kring. 

Image Credit: Marie Hickman

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Ella Hubber
Editor: Richard Collings

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