On climate change and ocean
1. The ocean is central to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing the Earth’s climate.
The ocean generates 50 per cent of the planet’s oxygen (UNEP), absorbs 25 per cent of all carbon dioxide
emissions (IPCC) and captures 90 per cent of the excess heat generated by these emissions (UNEP).
2. Ocean habitats such as mangroves are some of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on the planet,
storing on average 1,000 tonnes of carbon per hectare in their biomass and underlying soils. (UNEP)
3. Covering less than 0.1 percent of the world’s ocean, coral reefs support over 25 per cent of marine
biodiversity and serve up to a billion people with coastal protection, fisheries, sources of medicine,
recreational benefits, and tourism revenues. (UNEP)
4. More than 150 million jobs depend on sound management and sustainable production, export, import
and consumption of ocean-based goods and services – in fishing, aquaculture, shipping, coastal tourism,
offshore wind energy and marine biotechnology. (UNCTAD)
5. Although ocean energy systems are still at an early stage of development, offshore wind is a rapidly
maturing renewable energy technology that is poised to play an important role in future energy systems.
6. Offshore wind capacity is expected to increase fifteen-fold by 2040 (IEA) Wind power alone has the
potential to cover more than one third of global power needs, becoming the world’s foremost energy
source. (IRENA)
7. Approximately 80 per cent of world trade is transported by maritime shipping – which accounts for
nearly 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. (UNCTAD)
8. Due to climate change, the ocean is warmer, more acidic and less productive today. The ocean has
absorbed between 20 to 30 per cent of human-induced carbon dioxide emissions since the 1980s,
exacerbating acidification. (IPCC)
9. Marine heatwaves – periods of unusually high ocean temperatures that threaten marine biodiversity
and ecosystems and make extreme weather more likely – have doubled in frequency since 1982 and are
increasing in intensity. Their frequency will increase with rising greenhouse gas emissions. (IPCC)
10. Sea level has continued to rise over the past decades due to increasing ice loss in the world’s polar
regions. Global mean sea-level reached a new record high in 2021, rising an average of 4.5 millimeter per
year over the period 2013 to 2021 (WMO), compared to 2.1 millimeter per year during 1993-2002.
Dear Author,
Thank you for sharing this insightful article on the critical role of oceans in mitigating climate change.
It’s alarming to learn about the rapid changes in ocean temperatures and the resulting impacts
on marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
Your point about the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and
heat is particularly concerning. It’s a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices
and policies to protect our oceans. The statistics you’ve provided on the potential of
offshore wind energy are indeed promising and should be further explored as a viable
solution.
The economic implications are also noteworthy, with millions of jobs
relying on the sustainable use of ocean resources. It’s
clear that the health of our oceans is not just an environmental issue, but
a socio-economic one as well.
I appreciate your emphasis on the need for cooperation between businesses
and environmental advocates. It’s crucial to recognize that sustainable development is not a zero-sum game, but rather an opportunity for mutual growth and prosperity.
Thank you again for this enlightening piece. I look forward to more
of your insights and discussions on this important topic.
Best regards,
Zachery