Phil Williamson writes: With regard to ocean acidification, research effort has been reduced. But there have been new findings from observations – as featured in the new MCCIP report, out today and at www.mccip.org.uk/arc10, with associated Science Reviews.
Marine Climate Change Impacts
This report card summarises how our understanding of marine climate change impacts has developed since the first MCCIP report card and lessons for science to policy reporting.
“Concern about the state of our seas has caused them to be studied more intensively – and extensively – than ever before. Here is a summary of the findings. They have never been more important.”
Key headlines
- Short term variations in key parameters such as temperature over the last decade highlight the need to communicate observed change in the context of long-term trends.
- There is evidence of some marine species responding to climate change but not necessarily in the ways anticipated 10 years ago.
- Some areas, such as human health, remain poorly understood but there are early signs that climate change will have an impact.
- Marine climate change impacts on society have been identified and understanding for some topics such as fisheries and coastal flooding is more advanced than for others.
- In general, marine climate change impacts have been better studied than ever before and ensuring integrity and independence when translating evidence is vital to inform considered decision making
Science Reviews
The report card summarises information from 9 peer-reviewed Science Reviews:
- Ocean acidification (PDF)
- Atlantic Meridonal Overturning Circulation (PDF)
- Temperature (PDF)
- Seabirds (PDF)
- Non-native species (PDF)
- Intertidal species and habitats (PDF)
- Fisheries (PDF)
- Human health (PDF)
- Coastal flooding (PDF)