Seasonal temperature changes in ocean water can impact marine ecosystems, global weather patterns, and sea levels. Climate change affects these factors even more drastically, including its effects on many species of jellyfish. As climate change continues to be an issue, jellyfish populations are expected to fluctuate by region. Warmer waters generally promote growth in jellyfish populations, but only if they also support an increase in their food supply. If plankton populations decline due to rising temperatures, jellyfish populations will also decrease. Climate change can also reduce oxygen levels in the water, which negatively impacts jellyfish populations. Some types of jellyfish are less sensitive to oxygen depletion; however, their food source is not as adaptable. Even if these jellyfish can tolerate lower oxygen levels, they may end up outnumbering their plankton food source.

Climate change also impacts asexual jellyfish polyps. Jellyfish polyps are essential for population survival, as they are growths from a single jellyfish that can asexually produce hundreds of new individuals. In recent years, an increase in the population of Aurelia coerulea in the coastal waters of China has led scientists to study how water temperature affects its polyps. Researchers found that polyps had a high rate and frequency of asexual reproduction during warmer winters, but reproduction was even more intense during colder winter temperatures. Winter and spring temperatures, along with food availability, have the greatest impact on polyp asexual reproduction. All of these factors are influenced by climate change.

Overall, climate change influences jellyfish populations in complex and sometimes unpredictable ways. While warmer waters can encourage growth and reproduction, these benefits are closely tied to food availability, oxygen levels, and seasonal temperature patterns. Because jellyfish rely heavily on plankton and specific environmental conditions during key reproductive stages, even small shifts in climate can create significant changes in population size. Studying these patterns, such as the response of Aurelia coerulea polyps to temperature variation, helps scientists better understand how marine ecosystems may continue to shift. As climate change progresses, monitoring jellyfish populations can provide important insight into the broader health and balance of ocean environments.