What Have the Oceans Ever Done For Us? Ep180: Helen Czerski
Oct 9, 2024
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Helen Czerski, a physicist and oceanographer at University College London, dives deep into the ocean's role in climate regulation. She discusses how oceans absorb a third of our CO2 and 90% of excess heat. The conversation explores ocean physics, marine ecosystems, and the importance of understanding oceanic health in addressing climate change. Czerski highlights the risks posed by rising temperatures and human activities, urging a re-evaluation of our connection with oceans not merely as resources but as vital life support systems.
The ocean's role as a critical climate regulator highlights its function in absorbing CO2 and heat, impacting global ecosystems.
Climate change's influence on ocean dynamics, like the potential weakening of the AMOC, poses serious threats to weather patterns and marine life.
Understanding the intricate relationships within marine ecosystems, such as nutrient recycling and species interactions, is vital for ocean conservation efforts.
Deep dives
Ocean as a Complex Living System
The ocean is described as a complex living system rather than a void or blank slate. It plays a vital role in regulating the planet's climate and ecosystems, serving as a buffer by absorbing excess CO2 and heat from human activities. This complexity must be appreciated when considering any activities that impact the ocean, such as offshore wind farms or mining. Treating the ocean lightly could lead to unforeseen consequences, as its intricate dynamics are critical for sustaining life on Earth.
Impact of Climate Change on Ocean Dynamics
Climate change significantly affects the ocean's physical and biological dynamics, leading to uncertainties in critical systems like the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The warming of ocean surfaces may cause stronger stratification, making it more challenging to mix upper and lower layers, thereby affecting nutrient distribution and marine life. The episode emphasizes the deep concern that even if the AMOC does not shut down, the fact that its potential weakening is even considered a possibility is alarming. Such changes could reshape the planet's climate and disrupt weather patterns.
Understanding Ocean Structures Through Research
Professor Helen Chersky shares her journey into oceanography, explaining how her work with bubbles contributes to understanding the ocean's structure. Bubbles act as a medium for interaction between gas and liquid, serving crucial roles in various oceanic processes, including gas exchange. The investigation into bubbles highlights the intricate nature of ocean dynamics, revealing that what may seem trivial often has significant implications for marine systems. This understanding is critical for grasping how different factors interact in the ocean environment.
Interactions Between Ocean Life and Ecosystem Health
The episode discusses the interconnectedness of ocean life and the health of marine ecosystems, including the roles played by organisms such as krill and whales. The cyclical nature of nutrient recycling in the ocean relies on these species, which contribute significantly to the marine food web. For example, whale feces act as a fertilizer, enhancing productivity in surface waters, which is crucial for phytoplankton growth. Understanding these relationships stresses the importance of protecting marine species to maintain the balance of ocean ecosystems.
Innovations and Risks in Marine Energy Solutions
The transition towards renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind farms and high-voltage DC cables, introduces both opportunities and challenges. While these technologies have the potential to mitigate climate change, they may also disrupt existing marine ecosystems. The importance of assessing the potential ecological impact of deploying such solutions is emphasized, as the ocean is not an empty space waiting for new infrastructure. Careful planning and research are needed to balance energy needs with ocean health.
Challenges of Ocean Carbon Sequestration Methods
Various ocean carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods, such as iron fertilization and direct ocean alkalinity enhancement, come with significant uncertainties and potential ecological risks. The effectiveness of these methods relies on complex dynamics that are not fully understood, making oversimplified assumptions dangerous. It is stressed that before scaling these methods, a thorough understanding of the ocean's processes and structures is necessary. Furthermore, prioritizing climate mitigation strategies over unproven engineering solutions is crucial for genuine progress.
Ocean's absorb one third of the CO2 we are recklessly pumping into the atmosphere, as well as 90% of the heat. What would happen if that were to stop?
The oceans define every aspect of our planet's physical systems, its ecosystems, human history and human culture. They also define the planet's future. Oceans represent an almost unexplored frontier in the fight against climate change, whether as a host for offshore wind farms, an enhanced carbon sink, a source for critical minerals or a route for high-voltage DC cables. But could there be unintended consequences?
This week on Cleaning Up, Michael Liebreich welcomes Dr Helen Czerski, whose expertise is 25,000 miles wide and seven miles deep, to discuss the crucial role the oceans play in regulating our climate and keeping the planet habitable. Helen is a physicist and oceanographer, and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University College London. She is the author of two books: 'A Storm in a Teacup' and 'The Blue Machine', about the physics of the oceans.
Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle and how to become a member, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live
Links and more:
Helen's website: https://www.helenczerski.net
Helen's book, Blue Machine: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/441190/blue-machine-by-czerski-helen/9781804991961
Episode 107 of Cleaning Up with David Cebon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K61ZXd_F6Qo
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