Marine Policy Case Study: Ocean Acidification

2003

Defra commissions PML to undertake a study on “Environmental impacts of a gradual or catastrophic release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the marine environment”.  

 

2005

Defra commissions PML to undertake a 3 year project on “The implication for the marine environment of CO2”. A Reference User Group (RUG), which includes policy makers, is established for this project. 

 

2006

PML scientists provide input to the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change; ocean acidification features.

 

2007

PML scientists contribute to consultations on climate change (including ocean acidification) from Defra and the EU. 

 

Dr Carol Turley of PML contributes to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 4th Assessment Report. The work of this Panel is recognised by the award of the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Al Gore.

 

2008

PML scientists are actively involved in consultations in the UK and Europe on Adaptation to Climate Change, where ocean acidification again features.

 

PML scientists participate in “The Ocean in a High-CO2 World” international symposium in Monaco.

 

Another topical issue emanating out of the effects of CO2 on the marine environment is carbon capture and storage. PML’s scientists contribute to a number of government consultations on this issue.

 

2009

The Monaco Declaration is released by more than 150 leading marine scientists (including from PML) from over 26 countries. This calls for immediate action by policy makers to reduce CO2 emissions sharply so as to avoid widespread and severe damage to marine ecosystems from ocean acidification.

 

Dr Turley makes a presentation to the UK’s Chief Scientific Advisory Group on ocean acidification.

 

Briefings on ocean acidification are sent to the:

  • Parliamentary Office for Science & Technology
  • Government Office for Science
  • European Science Foundation

 

PML undertakes consultancy work for the United Nations Environment Programme on an ocean acidification bulletin to be published in 2010.

 

Dr Turley is invited to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting in Barcelona on “the increased concentration of carbon on the oceans”.

 

PML participates in the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP15 with a special session on ocean acidification chaired by Dr Turley.

 

2010

PML is awarded a number of contracts in the UK joint Defra/NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) ocean acidification programme.

 

PML is awarded the contract for the UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme Knowledge Exchange Co-ordinator.