Potential impacts of climate interventions on marine ecosystems

[Geoengineering News]

https://essopenarchive.org/doi/full/10.22541/essoar.173482381.11257447

Authors

Kelsey E Roberts, Cheryl Shannon Harrison, Tyler Weaver Rohr, Morgan Reed Raven, Michael Steven Diamond, Daniele Visioni, Ryan Heneghan, Daniele Bianchi, Kelly Ortega-Cisneros, Monica Ainhorn Morrison, Vanessa van Heerden, Nicola Wiseman, Gouri Anil, Zachary J Cannizzo, Marta Coll, Joshua Coupe, Ryan Max Freedman, Ben Kravitz, Kristen Marie Krumhardt, Lester Kwiatkowski, Nicole Suzanne Lovenduski, Jessica Y. Luo, Holly C Olivarez, Colleen M Petrik, Alan Robock, Jeroen Gerhard Steenbeek

21 December 2024

Abstract

Rising global temperatures pose significant risks to marine ecosystems, biodiversity and fisheries. Recent comprehensive assessments suggest that large-scale mitigation efforts to limit warming below crucial thresholds are falling short, and all feasible future climate projections, including those that represent ideal emissions reductions, exceed the Paris Agreement’s aspirational <1.5{degree sign}C warming target, at least temporarily. As such, there are a number of proposed climate interventions that aim to deliberately manipulate the environment at large scales to counteract anthropogenic global warming. Yet, there is a high level of uncertainty in how marine ecosystems will respond to these interventions directly as well as how these interventions may impact marine ecosystems’ responses to climate change. Due to the key role the ocean plays in regulating Earth’s climate and ensuring global food security, understanding the effects that these interventions may have on marine ecosystems is crucial. This review provides an overview of proposed intervention methodologies for solar radiation modification and marine carbon dioxide removal and outlines the potential trade-offs and knowledge gaps associated with their impacts on marine ecosystems. Climate interventions have the potential to reduce warming-driven impacts, but could also substantially alter marine food systems, biodiversity and ecosystem function. Impact assessments are thus crucial to quantify trade-offs between plausible intervention scenarios and to identify and discontinue scaling efforts or commercial implementation for those with unacceptable risks.

Source: ESS OPEN ARCHIVE