The climate is changing

The impacts of the human-induced climate change on the Baltic Sea are very difficult to forecast, but they are estimated to be significant.

Many researches predict that annual mean temperatures will rise by 3 to 5 degrees over the coming century. Already there is a higher occurrence of the rainfalls and wind conditions in sight. Higher precipitation, for example, increases the river runoffs, which then decreases the salinity of the Baltic- and the Archipelago Sea. The milder sea-ice conditions, that is, decrease and weakening of the ice cover, is also one of the problems. Baltic ringed seal, for example, will suffer since it gives birth on top of the icecap.

Decreasing salinity

Climate change will cause alterations in the Baltic Sea flora and fauna. The lower salinity level will have the biggest influence on the distribution of the species, but the whole aquatic ecosystem will be different. For example, the freshwater species are expected to enlarge their significance. Changes will happen at the different trophic levels and therefore have an impact on food chains and -nets. Alterations have already been noticed for example in the nutriment and growth of the Baltic herring.

 

Global warming means more risks on the coast

Higher precipitation will increase the amount of nutrients in the Baltic Sea, which will accelerate the eutrophication especially on the coast. Warm climate will scale up the algal blooming, and since the ice-cover melts faster, bloomings will occur earlier and earlier in spring.

The sea level has been predicted to rice remarkably with global warming. The affect of the rising seas will not probably be so fierce in the Baltic Sea. One of the reasons is that in the north land-uplift may compensate the rising sea level. Still, in the south water will probably conquer land. The Baltic Sea will also not be saved from the waves and floods caused by the more often occurring storms, and this brings along challenges all around the coastline.

More efficient measures has to be taken

The consequences of the human-induced climate change are often extreme and unpredictable. Therefore it is not easy to be prepared. Scientists stress that the continuity and strengthening of the conservation of the Baltic Sea is essential. The better condition the sea areas are in, the better they can adapt to the changing climate.

More information
BACC - BALTEX Assessment of Climate Change for the Baltic Sea Basin
Helcom: Baltic Sea region air temperature likely to achieve 3ºC to 5ºC increase this century
From Kioto to Southwest Finland -study material