Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

What Have the Oceans Ever Done For Us? Ep180: Helen Czerski

Oct 9, 2024

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.

01:15:46

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Helen Czerski

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Quick takeaways

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.

Intro

3min

Bubbles and Beyond: A Journey Through Ocean Physics

6min

Dynamic Depths: Understanding Ocean Complexity

16min

Navigating Ocean Movements

10min

The Ocean's Crucial Role in Climate Regulation

2min

Ocean Temperature and Climate Change

14min

Ecosystems Under Pressure: The Ocean's Health Crisis

18min

Embracing the Ocean's Value

4min

Embedding Sustainability in Engineering Education

2min

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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