- A new review led by Scripps Institution of Oceanography warns that rapid loss of oxygen from oceans and other aquatic ecosystems is pushing Earth toward an unsafe space with potentially irreversible consequences.
- The study links aquatic deoxygenation to the nine Planetary Boundaries framework processes and proposes adding dissolved oxygen conditions to the framework.
- Aquatic deoxygenation is driven primarily by human-caused warming, excess nutrient pollution, and changes in interior water ventilation, disrupting climate regulation and threatening aquatic life.
- Authors encourage scientists and policymakers to consider aquatic deoxygenation in combination with other planetary stressors.
- Mitigating the impacts of aquatic deoxygenation is critical for maintaining biodiversity and climate stability.