Plymouth scientists engage MPs on climate change and the
oceans
2nd February 2007
Today we face the demanding challenges of climate change. The
oceans play an integral role in shaping our planet and are central
in our understanding of climate change.
This week Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership (PMSP) held a 5
day exhibition in the House of Commons, entitled “Climate Change
and the Oceans – An Exhibition n Marine Science and Ocean
Acidification”, sponsored by Linda Gilroy MP. This provided an
informative platform for Parliamentarians to further understand the
effects of climate change and high CO2 emissions on the
oceans.
The exhibition was opened by Malcolm Wicks MP on Monday 29th
January and was accompanied by speeches from Linda Gilroy MP and
Professor Nicholas Owens, Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine
Laboratory (PML) and current Chair of PMSP.
At a breakfast reception on Tuesday 30th January, PML scientist
Dr Carol Turley gave a presentation on the implications of ocean
acidification, the other half of the CO2 problem. Linda
Gilroy MP and Ben Bradshaw MP responded to the presentation by
recognising the essential work being undertaken by marine
institutes in Plymouth, with reference to the threat of climate
change and the urgency of preventative action and adaptive
solutions.
This exhibition also showcased ‘photobioreactors’ from PML, a
technology to cultivate microscopic marine plants capable of
sequestering waste CO2 and NOx emissions from
power stations and manufacturing plants. Once harvested the
resultant biomass can be used as a renewable biofuel or to produce
natural products for the health and medical industries providing a
winning solution for our environment and economy.
Climate change featured in Parliamentary debate within the House
on Thursday 1st February and prompted visits to the exhibition by
other leading Members, including David Milliband MP, Secretary of
State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.