Paper: Climate Effects on Turtles

Climate change has had serious impacts on many species of turtles. These effects are primarily attributed to rising temperatures, increasingly severe weather events, and changes in the ocean’s chemistry. Climate change has directly impacted the survival and viability of turtle populations by raising temperatures and changing water temperature, both of which can disrupt their nesting and egg-laying cycles or even kill the eggs. Warmer temperatures cause turtle eggs to incubate faster, which can lead to challenges in hatching, resulting in fewer turtles that are able to reach maturity. Turtles naturally seek out cooler waters, but with ocean temperatures rising, they may be unable to find the right environment for their egg-laying or nesting. Increasingly strong storms and weather events can also disturb or destroy turtle nesting sites, while extreme drought can cause death or reduced reproductive success due to lack of food, water, or safe places to lay eggs. Rising sea levels can also displace nesting sites and reduce available nesting areas. The ocean’s changing chemistry, primarily due to higher levels of carbon dioxide, can also affect turtles. Largely an issue for sea turtles, ocean acidification can hamper the development of their shells and make them more susceptible to predators. Additionally, certain toxins and pollutants in the water can interrupt their endocrine systems and cause deformities or reproductive problems. Climate change poses a serious threat to turtles and intervention is needed to ensure their survival. Conservation is crucial to ensure suitable nesting