The Ocean Brief
Ocean stories and insights covering science, policy, innovation, and the ocean community
The science is clear, but what will we do to take better care of our ocean?
All the science is the world isn't going to do anything if we choose not to take action
In the face of changing coral reefs, how will dependent communities react?
We know that climate change is altering coral reef ecosystems, but how will these changes impact on communities that depend on them for their livelihood?
Warming waters means many marine species are on the move
Some species may be able to adapt to the changing ‘ocean climate’, but when changes happen rapidly enough that evolutionary processes aren’t keeping up, that’s when the real problems start to seep in.
Loss of polar sea ice could cause an ecological tipping point
Melting sea ice is promoting the rapid growth of algae, changing polar ecosystems
Pacific Islanders to face climate crisis challenges
If your a Pacific Islander, climate change is likely to be a huge problem. It all comes down to reliance on local resources, and in many cases these resources come from local marine waters.
Ocean acidification could impede Chilean abalone's ability to self-right
Ocean acidification hinders abalones ability to self-right after they have been dislodged
Social-ecological vulnerability of coral reef fisheries to climatic shocks
The FAO have taken a look at the socio-ecological impacts of climate climate change and ocean acidification on a human community in Kenya that utilizes reefs for their livelihoods and survival
Transitioning Away from Peak Oil
The problem is that cheap oil is running out. Here enters the concept of 'peak oil'. This doesn't mean that oil itself has run out (though oil being a finite resource it will eventually run out if we continue to deplete it indefinitely). It means that we have depleted over half of all the oil in the world.