Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation - Ocean Central
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Climate change threatens the blue economy through rising sea levels, stronger storms, and the shifting migration of fish due to warming oceans.
These challenges jeopardize both marine ecosystems and the industries that depend on them, such as fishing, tourism, and coastal infrastructure. Addressing these risks requires both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Blue carbon projects, offshore renewable energy, and sustainable ocean management are key tools in this effort. By implementing proactive measures, we can protect coastal communities, conserve marine biodiversity, and unlock sustainable economic growth within the blue economy.
Key Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
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Blue Carbon Initiatives
Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured by marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These initiatives protect and restore key marine species and habitats, replenishing natural capital while sequestering and storing carbon. This natural carbon sink plays a critical role in global efforts to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.
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Marine Ecosystem Restoration
Beyond carbon sequestration, restoring marine ecosystems and species such as reefs, fisheries, and megafauna supports biodiversity, which in turn enhances resilience against climate change impacts. Innovations in both natural and artificial reef restoration are helping to bolster coastal resilience by providing habitat, reducing coastal erosion, and protecting infrastructure.
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Offshore Renewable Energy
Scaling offshore renewable energy, such as wind and tidal energy, plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These renewable sources contribute to decarbonizing the economy, providing new offshore jobs.
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Decarbonisation of Maritime Sectors
Decarbonising all existing economic sectors of the ocean economy, including marine fisheries, maritime transport and tourism, can also contribute to climate change mitigation, thereby reducing pressure on the ocean.
Key Climate Adaptation Strategies
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Coastal Resilience and Infrastructure
Protecting coastal communities and infrastructure from rising sea levels and extreme weather is essential. Blue carbon initiatives and marine protected areas offer natural defenses against erosion and storms. Gray-green infrastructure solutions, which blend engineered structures like seawalls with nature-based systems such as mangrove restoration, often provide stronger protection than either approach alone. In addition, innovative insurance products for marine ecosystems are emerging to support long-term coastal resilience.
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Adaptation in Maritime Industries
Climate change is significantly affecting maritime industries. Extreme weather events are disrupting shipping routes, affecting safety at sea, and impacting port operations. In response, companies are implementing enhanced risk assessments, investing in resilient infrastructure, and deploying technologies like early warning systems and sensors to better prepare for climate risks.
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Marine Fisheries and Megafauna Restoration
Restoring marine fisheries and megafauna not only strengthens biodiversity but also enhances the ocean’s “biological pump” that sequesters carbon. Technologies such as AI are being used to better target fishing efforts, reduce bycatch, and protect vulnerable species, all of which contribute to both climate mitigation and adaptation.
The Role of Technology in Mitigation and Adaptation
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Artificial Intelligence and Acoustic Technologies
AI and acoustic observation technologies are transforming how we monitor marine life and human activities in the ocean. AI is being used to target fishing efforts, minimizing bycatch, while acoustic sensors track migration patterns and alert ships to the presence of marine megafauna, reducing the risk of ship strikes.
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Earth Observation Technologies and Sensors
Satellite and remote sensing technologies and in-situ sensors attached to buoys are helping monitor ocean conditions and climate impacts on a global scale. These technologies enable better management of fisheries, shipping lanes, and maritime safety by providing real-time data on ocean currents, weather patterns, and environmental conditions.
Paris Agreement Contributions to the Blue Economy
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Nationally Determined Contributions
Countries are increasingly committing to marine ecosystem protection as part of their nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. By including blue carbon projects and marine ecosystem restoration in their climate strategies, nations are acknowledging the ocean’s role in climate mitigation and adaptation.
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Marine Protected Areas
Equitably and effectively managed MPAs are a cornerstone of ocean climate strategies. These areas protect biodiversity and enhance the resilience of ecosystems, enabling them to continue providing services like carbon sequestration and coastal protection.
Credits
- Ralph Chami
- Dinah Nieburg
- Belinda Bramley