Science To Impact Area

Climate change

The marine environment is fundamental to regulating Earth’s climate and has greatly slowed the rate of climate change, however this has come at a cost and the ocean has warmed, acidified and lost oxygen, whilst circulation patterns are changing, and sea levels are rising. To manage these challenges it is vital to understand the interplay between the climate, the ocean and its ecosystems and resources to support sustainable ocean management.

PML’s Commitment to Climate Change Research

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) has been at the forefront of studying climate change and its impacts on marine ecosystems and society for decades. Our research informs national and international policy decisions that are essential for adapting to and mitigating climate change. We are also focused on developing technologies and novel applications to address the climate crisis, including key areas such as blue carbon, offshore renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, carbon dioxide removal, and related stressors like the impact of plastics on climate change.

Leading Ocean Acidification Research

PML has been a leader in ocean acidification (OA) research since the term was first coined in 2003 to describe the ongoing decrease in ocean pH caused by human carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, such as those from burning fossil fuels. Our work in this area has been pivotal in monitoring and communicating the impacts of OA, raising awareness, and inspiring action at the highest political levels. As a founding partner of the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON) and a key player in its North East Atlantic Hub, PML has contributed to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goal to minimize ocean acidification (SDG14.3).

Long-Term Monitoring for Future Projections

Long-term observations of the marine environment are essential for understanding how it is changing and providing a baseline for future projections. PML manages the Western Channel Observatory, integrating pelagic, benthic, and atmospheric time-series data with satellite observations and computer modeling. We are also advancing a net-zero ocean observing system through an advanced fleet of autonomous assets.

Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Fluxes

Our researchers are quantifying the fluxes of greenhouse gases and other climatically important gases between the ocean and atmosphere, providing critical data to improve the accuracy of climate change predictions. Additionally, we are developing industrial methods to remove CO2 from the ocean, including increasing seawater pH to release CO2 and then restoring the pH before returning the carbon-depleted water to the ocean.

Supporting Climate-Smart Marine Spatial Planning

PML is working on advanced Earth System Models to support UK and international climate change efforts. We are applying projections of how marine ecosystems will respond to climate change to inform climate-smart marine spatial planning. This includes advising on the design of marine protected area networks in Ireland and Southeast Asia.

Advancing Blue Carbon Research

Our Blue Carbon research is extensive, with PML researchers participating in a groundbreaking five-year global program alongside world-class ocean and blue carbon experts. This program aims to deepen our understanding of the role of oceans and continental shelves in the Earth’s carbon cycle and their potential to slow climate change.

The Role of Seaweed Ecosystems in Carbon Sequestration

We have demonstrated that seaweed ecosystems are major carbon sinks, much like saltmarshes, mangroves, and seagrass beds. When these ecosystems are damaged or degraded, their carbon sequestration capacity is lost, and the carbon stored is released, contributing to CO2 emissions. PML is researching ways to manage these seaweed and sediment systems to maximize carbon storage and support wildlife.

Using Satellite Data to Combat Climate Change

Observations from space provide unique insights into climate change management. PML is a leader in refining techniques to improve the accuracy of satellite, aircraft, and drone-based data. We are also applying Earth observation technologies to study climate-sensitive waterborne infectious diseases, such as those caused by Vibrio pathogens like cholera.

Understanding the Societal Impact of Climate Change

PML is studying how climate change will affect society, particularly how changes in ecosystems will impact fisheries in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Western Indian Ocean. We support the environmentally responsible development of marine renewable energy and carbon capture and storage. We also examine the impacts of offshore renewable energy installations on marine biodiversity and other marine activities, offering guidance for decision-makers on optimal site selection. Additionally, we are developing methods to assess the safety of storing CO2 in offshore geological formations.

Providing Scientific Advice for Climate Policy

PML is a key provider of scientific advice for both national and international climate policy. As an official observer organization at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP), we have participated in every COP since 2009, including co-founding the first-ever virtual Ocean Pavilion at COP. We have been actively involved in initiatives like Rio+20, UNCLOS, and the UN Ocean Conference, highlighting the ocean-climate nexus and contributing to its inclusion in UNFCCC discussions.

Contributing to IPCC Assessment Reports

Several of our scientists are lead authors for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment reports, which provide critical scientific information used by governments worldwide to develop climate policies. PML is also working with the UNFCCC Secretariat as a member of their ad hoc Earth Observation community, focusing on systematic observations for the Global Stocktake.

A Collaborative Approach to Climate Change Research

Our climate change research is supported by colleagues across the entire organization. The Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations, Earth Observation Science and Applications groups research the fluxes of climatically important gases in the marine environment. The Marine Ecology and Biodiversity group investigates the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems. The Marine Ecosystem Modelling group develops computational models to understand ecosystem responses, while Sea and Society examines how changes in ecosystem services will affect society and how we can adapt. This interdisciplinary approach exemplifies how PML is equipped to address the complex, real-world challenges of climate change.