Sea Turtles and Warming Temperatures

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Learn about how climate change and rising temperatures are threatening sea turtle populations in this B1 reading lesson.

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Sea turtles are ancient ocean creatures that have lived on Earth for millions of years. However, today they face many dangers, and one of the biggest threats is climate change. Warming temperatures are causing serious problems for sea turtle populations around the world. Unlike many other animals, a sea turtle's gender is not determined by its DNA. Instead, it is decided by the temperature of the sand where the eggs are buried. If the sand is cool, the eggs will hatch as male turtles. If the sand is warm, the eggs will hatch as female turtles. Because global temperatures are rising, the sand on nesting beaches is getting much hotter. As a result, many more female turtles are being born than male turtles. On some beaches, almost all of the baby turtles are female. Scientists worry that without enough males, sea turtles will not be able to reproduce in the future. Another problem caused by warming temperatures is rising sea levels. When the ocean gets warmer, the water expands and ice melts at the poles. This causes the sea level to rise. Higher sea levels can destroy the beaches where sea turtles go to lay their eggs. If the beaches disappear under the water, the turtles will have nowhere to build their nests. Finally, higher temperatures affect the food that sea turtles eat. Many sea turtles eat coral reefs and the small animals that live there. However, warm water causes coral bleaching, which kills the reefs. When the reefs die, sea turtles lose their homes and their food sources. Protecting sea turtles is very important. To save them, we need to reduce the pollution that causes climate change. We also need to protect their nesting beaches and keep the oceans clean. If we work together, we can help these amazing animals survive for many more years.

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