Climate Change Will Alter the <br />Colors of the Earth's Oceans According to a new study, the change will be <br />because of the alteration of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are tiny marine organisms, <br />who when light is reflected off of them give oceans distinct colors, like blue and green. The study, which was published in scientific journal, 'Nature Communications' says half of the oceans on planet earth will be affected by the end of the century. Nature Communications, via study The study's authors say this in turn will diminish <br />phytoplankton growth in some oceanic areas but make it grow faster in others.