Drivers of climate change in the marine environment
Almost all social and economic drivers have the potential to influence climate change. Many drivers, through the emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, cause both climate change and ocean acidification.
Almost all social and economic drivers have the potential to influence climate change. Emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere lead to climate change and ocean acidification. As societies seek to reduce these emissions and adapt to climate change impacts, the activities they undertake in response are likely to emit greenhouse gases, and therefore some responses are also included here as drivers. This closes the circle in the DAPSIR framework.
Society’s responses for addressing climate change, both by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change impacts, include:
- Reductions in fossil fuel consumption (and extraction); reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; increased reliance on and expansion of renewable energy technologies; increased carbon capture and storage activity and a focus on protection and restoration of natural carbon stores;
- In response to threats to society: coastal and flood protection; sea defences; levees; dikes; relocation of at-risk communities; shifts in the wild capture and aquaculture species for human consumption due to range shifts and other impacts; a shift to low-carbon heating, transport and power for homes, businesses, and industry. Activities to adapt to climate change impacts will also emit greenhouse gases, thus contributing further to climate change;
- Building climate-proof economic and social systems to create resilience to extremes such as floods, storms, winds, and temperature changes; constructions designed to withstand extreme weather events; sustainable consumption of natural resources; assessment of environment, habitat and biodiversity changes to allow management responses for sustainable ecosystems;
- In response to growing energy demand as the global population increases: shifts in policies towards low carbon economies, which will require a significant expansion of renewable energy development (including marine); oil and gas as part of the energy mix (albeit declining) of many countries, and a continuing need to manage emissions. Nuclear energy will be a source for some countries. Market forces will drive energy prices.
Policy responses for managing climate change need to consider all these driving forces in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce reliance on non-renewable energy technologies, mitigate risks and facilitate societal change.