Ocean Conservation in a High CO2 World: The Need to Evaluate New Approaches

Abstract 

Rising atmospheric CO₂ is fundamentally reshaping the ocean through rapid warming and acidification, driving changes at a pace unmatched in hundreds of millions of years. If current trends continue, CO₂ levels may exceed 500 ppm by 2050, causing global temperatures to rise by at least 2°C and increasing surface ocean acidity by more than 60%. These shifts threaten the ability of many marine species to adapt, with impacts expected from tropical to polar regions. Coral reefs and fisheries face especially severe risks, putting trillions of dollars in economic value and essential ecosystem services in jeopardy. As degradation accelerates, current policy responses will likely fall short. Evaluating a broader set of marine management and mitigation strategies is now critical to safeguard ocean health and human well-being. Addressing these challenges requires innovative science, coordinated global action, and a willingness to rethink traditional conservation approaches to protect ocean ecosystems for future generations.

Citation

Rau, G. H., Mcleod, E., & Hoegh-Guldberg, O. (2012). Ocean conservation in a high CO 2 world: the need to evaluate new approaches. Nat. Clim. Change, 2, 720-724.