What role do aquatic ecosystems play in climate regulation?

Aquatic ecosystems play a significant role in climate regulation, primarily through their ability to sequester carbon dioxide. Many aquatic environments, such as wetlands, mangroves, and seagrasses, effectively capture and store carbon in their biomass and sediments. This process helps mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is a key greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

The sequestering of carbon occurs through photosynthesis, where aquatic plants convert carbon dioxide into organic matter, thereby removing it from the atmosphere. Furthermore, the sediment in these ecosystems can hold vast amounts of carbon for extended periods. This important function underscores the value of preserving and restoring aquatic ecosystems, as they contribute to the overall health of our planet and help stabilize climatic conditions.

The other options misrepresent the role of aquatic ecosystems. While they may have varying influences on temperature and freshwater supply, their primary significance concerning climate regulation lies in their capacity to capture and store carbon. This highlights the crucial environmental services these ecosystems provide beyond mere freshwater availability or temperature regulation.