Today I’ll be discussing a paper by Mendler de Suarez et al. that proposes how we are to deal with the climate change-induced threats facing the ocean and humanity (2013).
To ensure
survival, they argue that we should use our understanding of the complex
relationship between climate change and the oceans in two ways. First, to support
nature-based approaches that will mitigate the negative impacts of climate
change and second, to help improve community and ecosystem resilience towards the
inevitable climate-related hazards. Our adaption will need to take many forms
and use a variety of soft, hard and floating methods, but there must be a focus
on the preservation and restoration of ecosystems that provide a natural source
of protection. Mangroves are one such example, offering protection on the coast from erosive cyclones and storms through their ability to dissipate energy. However, this is not to say that other ecosystems should be ignored, they will still need to be conserved in order to ensure the continuation of their natural
services. To guarantee the success of these adaption strategies, the need for integrated coastal and ocean management is stressed, right from the local to
the international level.
They also refer to geo-engineering techniques, such as carbon capture and storage, iron fertilisation and the direct injection of carbon dioxide into the water column. However, it is argued that at present, we do not have sufficient knowledge of either the risks involved, or their efficiency at mitigating the impacts of climate change. Thus, more research is required before any assessment for their implementation can be conducted. Again, the importance for the involvement of all countries is stressed, even those who may not be affected by climate change as much as others, or don’t have the means to conduct research. Related to this latter point, it is clear that considerable funding will be required and the study recognises this, requesting new, sustainable financing mechanisms.
They also refer to geo-engineering techniques, such as carbon capture and storage, iron fertilisation and the direct injection of carbon dioxide into the water column. However, it is argued that at present, we do not have sufficient knowledge of either the risks involved, or their efficiency at mitigating the impacts of climate change. Thus, more research is required before any assessment for their implementation can be conducted. Again, the importance for the involvement of all countries is stressed, even those who may not be affected by climate change as much as others, or don’t have the means to conduct research. Related to this latter point, it is clear that considerable funding will be required and the study recognises this, requesting new, sustainable financing mechanisms.
Fundamentally, the paper calls for improved governance, the use of ecosystem-based approaches in coastal and ocean management and urgency in transition to a low-carbon economy. If these are achieved, it is claimed that humanitarian, environmental and ocean security will be ensured under climate change.
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