Pathway Description
The ocean provides over fifty percent of the world’s oxygen, it absorbs a significant amount of carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gases, and heat. In other words, the ocean contributes to the regulation of the global climate and contributes to climate change mitigation. However, the ocean and marine life also suffer from climate change impacts. Therefore, integrating the ocean into climate strategies is thus vital for protecting human rights and a sustainable future.
The ocean-climate nexus, representing the link between the ocean and climate change, is vital for addressing environmental challenges and is thus a key part of sustainable development. Since the ocean suffers from climate change impacts, this exacerbates other threats to the ocean’s health like over-exploitation of marine resources and marine pollution. The UN Climate Summit in Glasgow in 2022, known as COP26, recognized the ocean’s importance and aimed to integrate it into climate-related actions.
From a human rights perspective, a healthy ocean is crucial for life, health, food, water, and culture. Ocean acidification, caused by carbon dioxide emissions dissolving in seawater, poses risks to marine ecosystems and food chains, affecting human rights related to nutrition and health.
Integrating the ocean into climate strategies, like restoring marine ecosystems and reducing fossil fuel production, is vital for protecting human rights, especially for vulnerable communities. Research, collaboration, and public participation are essential to address the ocean-climate nexus, safeguarding human rights, and promoting a sustainable future.
NOTE that you need not complete the entire learning pathway in one session.
Learning Outcomes
NOTE It is up to you to measure your progress against the learning outcomes indicated below, although you can test yourself with a closing quiz.
By the end of this course you should be able to discuss:
- How climate change negatively affects the ocean’s health
- The climate-related challenges facing the ocean, such as pollution and overfishing
- Human rights implications of the ocean-climate nexus or interlinkages
- Options for ocean-based climate action
Pathway Content
Module 1 An introduction to the ocean-climate nexus
The ocean-climate nexus is the crucial link between the ocean and climate change. It involves the ocean's role as a so-called carbon sink, absorbing a substantial amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which helps regulate the global climate. However, climate change also negatively affects the ocean's health, leading to various environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts. Integrating the ocean into climate strategies is essential for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and protecting human rights.
Module 2 Ocean and climate science
Understanding the ocean's role in regulating the global climate and contributing to climate change mitigation is essential for accurate climate modelling and predicting future climate scenarios. Additionally, ocean science helps assess the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal communities. Integrating ocean, climate and biodiversity sciences is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to address climate change and safeguard the health of our oceans.
Module 3 Human rights, biodiversity and the ocean-climate nexus
Human rights, biodiversity, and the ocean-climate nexus are interconnected. A healthy ocean is essential for human rights, providing food, livelihoods, and cultural identity. Climate change's impact on the ocean affects biodiversity and undermines human rights. Integrating these aspects is vital for sustainable ocean governance and climate action.
Module 4 Climate change and the international governance of the ocean
The impacts of climate on the ocean also undermine the efforts made in the context of the international governance of the ocean. Rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise threaten marine ecosystems and the human rights of ocean-dependent communities. International cooperation is crucial to address the ocean-climate nexus, implement effective climate strategies, and protect the ocean's health, biodiversity, and human rights.
Module 5 Quiz on the ocean and climate change
Test your knowledge.
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