How International Agreements Address the Impact of Climate Change on the Oceans
The oceans cover approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface, and they are interconnected with the global climate and weather patterns. Affecting regional conditions and weather events around the world, the oceans are greatly influenced by climate change. Seemingly uncomplicated, this process is a lot more complex than one may assume.
The oceans may be seen as massive carbon reservoirs with a dynamic structure, being vital for a stable global climate. Until now, they have been responsible for mild coastal weather characterized by limited extremes of heat and cold since they absorb most of the sun’s energy and warm slower compared to the atmosphere. However, this has begun to change recently.
Approximately 90% of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions is absorbed by the oceans, leading to warming at depths reaching 1,000 meters. As a result, ocean warming occurs, where the ocean is stratified with lighter water near the surface and denser water at deeper levels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2019 report, the consequences of ocean warming, such as coral bleaching and marine heatwaves, are anticipated to escalate in response to climate change and the simultaneous greenhouse effect, posing additional challenges to the world ocean.
Since the well-being of the world population relies on the oceans and marine ecosystems, the management and protection of the hydrosphere are crucial to ensure the provision of essential services to communities, such as carbon sequestration. A comprehensive study of the oceans is necessary to understand anthropogenic climate change. Numerous organizations, including the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), actively study the oceans to enhance their comprehension of the connections and relations between the ocean and the atmosphere. In particular, WMO partners with the Food and Agriculture Organization to assess the effects of climate change on marine productivity and fisheries.
Countries are also establishing policies and embracing sustainable practices to protect the oceans, fisheries and marine habitats. An example would be Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which aim to preserve marine habitats. Strategies such as REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries) and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement help MPAs with sustainable tools to protect marine ecosystems.
On a broader scale, during last year’s COP15 summit, global leaders adopted a landmark agreement, committing to conserve 30% of land and water by 2030. While this can be perceived as an ambitious step, there are numerous challenges concerning the future measurement of these conservation efforts.
Over a hundred countries worldwide, which are primarily responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, have made national climate commitments and promised to mitigate their environmental impact. Clearly, international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the last year’s COP15 agreement show promise for the future.
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