Kelp: The planet's other forest crisis
Phys.org
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
California's kelp forests have experienced significant decline since the 2013–17 marine heat wave, with only minimal recovery observed despite extensive restoration efforts by scientists, fishermen, coastal tribes, volunteer divers, and conservationists. The threat to kelp is not isolated; it reflects a global trend tied to rising ocean temperatures caused by human-induced climate change. With 90% of the heat generated from fossil fuel combustion absorbed by oceans, marine ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to stressors like warming waters, which disrupt delicate underwater habitats.
The decline of kelp forests mirrors broader environmental challenges, such as the expansion of mega-wildfires across regions including Los Angeles, Siberia, Canada, and Australia. These events highlight a world growing hotter, pushing natural systems beyond their resilience thresholds. Kelp forests, often referred to as "forests of the sea," play a critical role in marine biodiversity by providing habitat for countless species and stabilizing coastal ecosystems. Their loss underscores the interconnected nature of land and ocean ecosystems in the face of climate change.
Understanding the crisis facing kelp forests matters deeply for scientists and readers interested in environmental science. Kelp's decline is acanary-in-the-coal-mine moment, signaling broader impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. As oceans absorb ever more heat and acidify due to carbon emissions, the fate of kelp forests could presage更大-scale ecological disruptions. Addressing this crisis requires urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems before irreversible damage occurs. The story of kelp's struggle is a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction on climate change, both for marine life and for humanity's reliance on healthy oceans.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/24/2026