Experts Jeremy Werdell from NASA and Jaime Palter from Rhode Island University discuss the oceans' vital role in combating climate change. They explore the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, the challenges of enhancing its capacity, and the financial and ethical dilemmas in climate initiatives. The podcast also highlights the fascinating sounds of marine life and the importance of storytelling in connecting humanity with the oceans.
Oceans act as Earth's life support system against climate change, but face limits in protection.
NASA's Pace Project uses color analysis to study phytoplankton distribution for ocean-atmosphere insights.
Carbon removal methods show potential in addressing excess atmospheric carbon but face scalability challenges.
Deep dives
Ocean Sciences Conference Insights
The Ocean Sciences Conference in New Orleans delves into the critical role of oceans, where marine scientists present cutting-edge research. Topics explored range from the importance of oceans as Earth's life support system to the impact of climate change. Discussions cover surprising findings like fungi's role in ocean ecosystems and the potential of bacteria in producing biodegradable plastics.
Pace Project and Ocean Observation
The Pace Project, NASA's latest endeavor, focuses on observing microscopic elements in the atmosphere and ocean. By analyzing colors of the ocean, like blues and greens, revealed through satellite observations, researchers can delve into the world of phytoplankton. This microscale observation aims to understand the distribution and impact of phytoplankton communities, essential for ocean-atmosphere interactions.
Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal
Marine carbon dioxide removal methods are gaining traction as potential solutions to reduce excess atmospheric carbon. Techniques range from biological approaches like increasing seaweed growth to chemical methods like adding alkaline substances to enhance carbon absorption in the ocean surface. Despite the enthusiasm and funding, questions regarding scalability, unintended consequences, and effectiveness remain major challenges.
Underwater Sounds and Marine Life Communication
Exploring underwater sounds offers insights into marine life communication and ecosystem dynamics. From snap-happy snapping shrimp creating popcorn-like noises to fish drumming on their swim bladders, the ocean is a realm of diverse acoustic activity. Understanding these underwater sounds not only reveals marine behaviors but also showcases the ocean's vibrant and dynamic nature.
Promoting Ocean Awareness and Visualizing Marine Environments
Enhancing public understanding and appreciation for oceans involves storytelling and visualization. Highlighting the ocean's historical significance, such as its impact on key events like D-Day, can connect people to its relevance. Advancements in augmented reality and data visualization could revolutionize how we perceive and engage with the ocean, fostering empathy and awareness for its vital role in shaping our world.
The world's oceans have absorbed huge quantities of carbon dioxide, protecting us from the worst effects of climate change, but how much longer can they defend us? Join Helen Czerski in New Orleans at the world's biggest conference of marine science to meet the experts working to keep the ocean working for us.
Tom and Helen's guests from the American Geophysical Union conference include Jeremy Werdell of NASA and Jaime Palter of Rhode Island University.
With special thanks to the team at the AGU and David Mann of Loggerhead Instruments.
Produced by Alasdair Cross for BBC Audio Bristol in conjunction with the Open University
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