COP27: The important role of deep blue carbon
Exploring the the need to invest in ocean observation in order to achieve net zero.
.png)
In this panel discussion, nations were called on to invest in ocean observation to meet urgent climate targets.
Having absorbed 40 per cent of fossil fuel emissions and 90 per cent of the heat produced by humans, the ocean controls our climate. But this function is changing – and how fast is becoming more uncertain. Importantly, 95 per cent of ocean carbon is “deep blue carbon” in the high seas beyond national jurisdictions. The ocean is critically under-observed.
This lack of information is undermining our ability to predict long-term climate change and weather events. The risk to our economy and our planet is too great to ignore.
The Ocean Frontier Institute proposed the North Atlantic Carbon Observatory to serve as an initial framework for nations to join forces to consider how to measure, manage and report on carbon – enabling better climate forecasts to inform global climate policy and strategy.
Beginning with a brief video focused on deep blue carbon, the event consisted of keynote addresses and a panel discussion with:
Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director, Ocean Frontier Institute
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Co-Chair, Global Ocean Observing System
Director of Infrastructure, World Meteorological Organization
Our event was held at the COP27 Canada Pavilion.
Dalhousie University operates in the unceded territories of the Mi’kmaw, Wolastoqey, and Peskotomuhkati Peoples. These sovereign nations hold inherent rights as the original peoples of these lands, and we each carry collective obligations under the Peace and Friendship Treaties. Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes and affirms Aboriginal and Treaty rights in Canada.
We acknowledge that the lands on which Memorial University’s campuses are situated are in the traditional territories of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province.
