Oceans – what next?
A safe and thriving global shipping industry is vital to the UK economy as 95% of our external trade by weight (77% by value) and 7% of domestic freight tonnage (but around 25% in terms of tonne kilometres), moves by water.
Shipping is also one of the most environmentally sustainable means of transport: not only is it recognised as being less environmentally damaging than other modes of transport, but it has the additional advantage of being subject to fewer capacity constraints. The UK, as an island nation, therefore has a natural interest in the promotion of our waters as a safe, efficient and sustainable environment.
In recent years, people have become increasingly worried about the effects of human activities on the world’s weather. Levels of the main climate change gas CO2 have increased since pre-industrial times, and ten of the hottest years on record have been in the last 20 years. The climate is changing, and scientists have agreed that humans are causing these changes.
Climate change means disturbed weather around the globe, as well as changing patterns of pests and disease, accelerated soil erosion and increasingly waterlogged or dry fields will adversely affect agriculture. Climate Change could lead to an increase in severe storms and hurricanes, and a shifting of climate zones and rising sea levels.
Of all the great mysteries the oceans hold in their depths, their effect on climate may be the least understood. It is widely believed that the oceans have a significant impact on climate change, but many questions remain. Predicting and monitoring ocean temperatures are possible because of investments in technology. Continued investment will not only further understanding of short-term climate variability, but will also help answer more long-term questions such as the reasons behind global climate change.
Around the world, there is now growing support for initiatives that educate people on the value of oceans. If we are going to protect it’s future, it is essential that people understand and support the full value of ocean science: how it impacts their daily lives and how it adds to our understanding of the entire Earth.
KEY STAGE 4 : Geography, Earth Sciences; Fossil Fuels, Water; Weather, Climate Change