Rising ocean temperatures drive global kelp forest decline, mirroring land-based climate crises
Original framing: “Kelp: The planet's other forest crisis” — Phys.org
Scientific studies confirm that rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are major drivers of kelp forest decline. Research also shows that kelp restoration can mitigate carbon emissions, but current efforts are limited by funding and lack of policy support.
The decline of kelp forests is a systemic crisis driven by climate change, industrial overfishing, and the marginalization of Indigenous and local knowledge systems.
To address this, we must integrate traditional stewardship with scientific research and policy reform. Historical precedents like the collapse of the North Atlantic cod fisheries show that without holistic, community-centered approaches, marine ecosystems will continue to degrade. By aligning conservation with Indigenous sovereignty, climate policy, and economic justice, we can restore kelp forests as vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hubs. This requires dismantling extractive industries and empowering coastal communities to lead the way.