A 2023 report from the Institute of Environmental Protection in Poland has highlighted alarming trends in the Baltic Sea as temperatures are rising 0.08°C per decade, faster than the global average of 0.05°C per decade. Experts note that this temperature increase is causing significant ecological shifts, including a decrease in severely cold winters which could disrupt local ecosystems and alter marine life. Additionally, these climatic changes are likely to affect the length of the growing season across the Baltic region, potentially impacting agriculture and biodiversity.

The report also addresses the worsening conditions resulting from climate change, which may lead to changing precipitation patterns and snow cover, further stressing the already vulnerable regional ecosystems. The researchers warn about the emergence of marine heat waves that could have dire consequences for the Baltic’s ecosystems, with implications for fisheries and local economies that depend on marine resources. Eutrophication has also been identified as a critical issue, with nutrient-rich runoff leading to algal blooms that degrade water quality and marine habitats.

Experts underscore the importance of international cooperation to tackle these pressing environmental challenges facing the Baltic Sea. Collaborative efforts are deemed essential to improve the ecological status of this vital body of water, as climate change knows no borders, and only concerted actions can yield positive outcomes for the Baltic region. The report calls for increased awareness and joint initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the marine ecology of the Baltic Sea.