The Ocean & Humans: One but Many (original) (raw)
Related papers
Introduction to the Oceans of Tomorrow: The Transition to Sustainability
The Ocean of Tomorrow, 2020
Science and technology offer an opportunity to reconcile the protection of marine ecosystems with the development of sustainable maritime activities, through an integrated maritime policy. In this context, the European Commission has developed a strategy with the aim of proposing means for better integrating marine research with maritime research. To achieve this, the EU increases the integration between established research disciplines and improves cooperation between all the stakeholders concerned with seas and oceans. This book focuses on results of thirteen projects 5 funded by the European Commission. These projects propose concrete measures and mechanisms to improve the efficiency and excellence of marine and maritime research in order to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the oceans and seas. This opening chapter provides an introduction to these projects by first reviewing the goals, partners, methodology and objectives of the each of the projects.
World ocean review 2010: living with the oceans
The world oceans, global climate drivers chapter Earth's climate system-a complex framework 10 The great ocean currents-the climate engine Conclusion: Time to act How climate change alters ocean chemistry chapter The oceans-the largest CO 2-reservoir 28 The consequences of ocean acidification Oxygen in the ocean 44 Climate change impacts on methane hydrates Conclusion: Material fluxes-getting the full picture The uncertain future of the coasts chapter Sea-level rise-an unavoidable threat 56 How nature and humankind alter the coasts The battle for the coast 68 Conclusion: The future of the coast-defence or orderly retreat? 73 Last stop: The ocean-polluting the seas chapter Over-fertilization of the seas 76 Organic pollutants in the marine environment Litter-pervading the ocean 86 Oil pollution of marine habitats Conclusion: Much to be done … Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems chapter Biological systems under stress 102 Disruption to the plankton cycle Species encroaching on alien territories 110 Marine biodiversity-a vital resource Conclusion: Impacts and repercussions > wor ld o c e a n r eview Contents < Exploiting a living resource: Fisheries chapter 6 Marine fisheries-the state of affairs 120 The causes of overfishing 126 Classic approaches to fisheries management 130 Toward more sustainable fisheries 136 Conclusion: Is sustainable fishing feasible? 139 Marine minerals and energy chapter 7 Fossil fuels 142 Marine minerals 146 Methane hydrates 152 Renewable energies 156 Conclusion: Pressure on the ocean floor is growing 161 Maritime highways of global trade chapter 8 Global shipping-a dynamic market 164 Obstacles to global shipping: Piracy and terrorism 172 Conclusion: A look at the future 175 Medical knowledge from the sea chapter 9 Active substances from marine creatures 178 Searching for the causes of desease 186 Legal issues in marine medical research 190 Conclusion: The dawn of a new era? 195 The law of the sea: A powerful instrument chapter 10 A constitution for the seas 198 The limits to the law of the sea 206 Conclusion: The future of the law of the sea 209
An introduction to the ‘Oceans and Society: Blue Planet’ initiative
Journal of Operational Oceanography
We live on a blue planet, and Earth's waters benefit many sectors of society. The future of our blue planet is increasingly reliant on the services delivered by marine, coastal and inland waters and on the advancement of effective, evidence-based decisions on sustainable development. 'Oceans and Society: Blue Planet' is an initiative of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) that aims to ensure the sustained development and use of ocean and coastal observations for the benefit of society. The initiative works to advance and exploit synergies among the many observational programmes devoted to ocean and coastal waters; to improve engagement with a variety of stakeholders for enhancing the timeliness, quality and range of information delivered; and to raise awareness of the societal benefits of ocean observations at the public and policy levels. This paper summarises the role of the initiative, current activities and considerations for future directions.
Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2021
The ocean provides essential services to human wellbeing through climate regulation, provision of food, energy and livelihoods, protection of communities and nurturing of social and cultural values. Yet despite the ocean’s key role for all life, it is failing as a result of unsustainable human practices. The first global integrated assessment of the marine environment, produced by the United Nations under The Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects (the World Ocean Assessment), identified an overall decline in ocean health. The second assessment, launched in April 2021, although recognising some bright spots and improvements, stresses ongoing decline in the ocean as a result of many unabated anthropogenic stressors on the ocean. This highlights that society, as a whole, does not fully recognise or value the importance of the ocean to their lives and impacts on the ocean caused by human activities. Fu...
Policy Brief Connections between Humans and Oceans and Seas
Benefits of Oceans and Seas-Climate Solution, 2023
Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and play a vital role in regulating the global climate. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing approximately 30% of carbon dioxide emissions produced by human activities. This process helps mitigate climate change but also leads to ocean acidification, which threatens marine ecosystems. The health of oceanic environments is directly linked to human well-being; healthy oceans support biodiversity, provide food resources, and maintain essential ecosystem services. The Health, Wealth and Well-Being of the World and Its People Depend on the Ocean Maintaining a healthy ocean is crucial for enhancing global health and fostering prosperity for all. It creates opportunities for diverse populations, including women and marginalized groups, contributing to a better quality of life worldwide, even for those living far from coastal areas. Sustainable Ocean Economy A sustainable ocean economy is essential not only for traditional sectors like fisheries and shipping but also has far-reaching implications beyond these industries. The health of the ocean directly influences various aspects of the global economy, demonstrating its interconnectedness.