Climate Change
Every degree of warming reshapes ocean life and livelihoods
About this challenge
Climate change is transforming the ocean at an unprecedented pace, reshaping marine ecosystems, shifting species distributions, and threatening the communities and industries that depend on the sea. As the ocean absorbs heat and carbon, impacts on biodiversity, food security, and coastal economies are intensifying worldwide. At Plymouth Marine Laboratory, we co-develop climate-smart ocean management approaches that combine climate science, ecological understanding, and socio-economic insight to protect marine ecosystems, sustain ocean livelihoods, and help societies adapt to a changing climate.
The Challenge
Why climate change matters for the Ocean
Climate change is one of the most significant drivers of change in the ocean today. It is reshaping marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Climate change is the defining challenge of ocean science and management. It is reshaping where species live and how ecosystems function, and redefining whether the habitats that underpin food security and coastal protection can endure. Fisheries are being disrupted, aquaculture producers face growing uncertainty, and the communities that depend on stable marine environments are bearing the consequences.
At the same time, the ocean itself is a critical regulator of the global climate system, through carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and the moderation of temperature and weather. Protecting that regulatory capacity matters not just for marine life, but for everyone on Earth.
PML is co-developing solutions for climate change, including:
- Delivering climate change adaptation and mitigation though climate-smart ocean management,
- Supporting the just transition of the global energy system to ocean-based renewables,
- Ocean-based solutions for climate change, such as protecting blue carbon habitats and the sustainable growth of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal.
We are supporting the embedding of ocean-based climate action – adaptation and mitigation – into policy and governance at every level. We believe that this is the only route for a healthy planet and a sustainable, thriving and just economy for future generations.
Our Solutions
How PML is addressing climate change
From long-term monitoring, observation and modelling through to the co-development of mitigation strategies and practical solutions, PML’s research provides the evidence base needed to inform effective decision-making.
Solutions
Climate-smart Ocean management
Climate change is reshaping ocean life, marine industries and coastal communities. PML delivers transdisciplinary science and decision-support tools that place climate evidence at the heart of ocean management, from local spatial plans to international biodiversity commitments.
Climate-smart marine spatial planning
Integrating climate adaptation and mitigation into the full marine spatial planning process reduces the risk of plan failure and enables sustainable, long-term marine space allocation in line with national and international policy.
Climate-smart marine protected areas
Climate Change is a main challenge to the successful delivery of the Global Biodiversity Framework to protect 30% of marine biodiversity and ecosystems by 2030. PML drives co-developed research bringing together ocean climate projections, economic modelling and social values assessments, to support climate-smart solutions.
Decision support tools and data products
We co-develop decision support tools such as ASPACE, and data products with ocean practitioner that are enabling real world evidence-based climate-smart decisions about marine space.
View ASPACE Software
Solutions
Just transition
Climate change mitigation and offshore renewable energy deployment are closely linked, and effective planning depends on robust climate and ocean science to manage risks, protect ecosystems, and support sustainable ocean use.
For more information please contact Dr Stephen Watson.
Solutions
Ocean-based solutions for climate change
PML science informs the development of nature-based and engineered solutions for climate change including blue carbon habitats and marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR).
For more information please contact Professor Helen Findlay.
Science in Action
Featured news & projects
Our scientists are advancing understanding of Climate Change using the latest tools and techniques.
Experts working in climate change
Co-developed research by internationally recognised scientists combining ecology, ocean-climate forecasting, social sciences and economic modelling to deliver climate-resilient solutions for our ocean and our planet.
Get In Touch
Want to work on climate change with us?
Speak to our team about how we can support your climate change solutions
Ocean Challenge lead details
Professor Ana M Queirós
Ocean Challenge Lead: Climate Change
