The ocean plays a critical role in our climate system and is significantly impacted by climate change and
ocean acidification. People around the globe are already observing key alterations to their environment
with profound consequences: sea-level rise, increased intensity of storms, changes in ocean productivity
and resource availability, disruption of seasonal weather patterns, loss of sea ice, altered freshwater
supply and quality. These changes are happening at an unprecedented rate. Issues of food security and
human health will affect local livelihoods as well as global economies.
http://www.iucn.org/?4197/Dont-shun-the-ocean--IUCN-tells-climate-leaders