Climate and Oceans Think Tank


Purpose
Scientists and environmental leaders came together to explore ocean and climate change issues in the Northwest Pacific Ocean on March 5-6, 2009 in Vancouver, B.C. The Climate and Oceans Think Tank was sponsored by Living Oceans Society. Part One of the Think Tank focused on gaining information on the major aspects of climate change that have an effect on ocean ecosystems. Part Two explored pathways to solutions. 

Summary
Part One: The information to be explored was broken into six categories; upwellings and currents, sea level rise, ocean acidification, freshwater runoff, vulnerable species and adaptive management. The scientists were carefully selected for their expertise in one of the categories of discussion.

Part Two: Participants and scientists processed the information provided during the presentations and began to generate solutions. The discussions were separated into categories of adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation refers to solutions that deal with the existing changes as they occur and mitigation solutions are meant to stop the problem from growing.    

A considerable amount of excitement and appreciation was expressed by scientists and participants for the opportunity to explore the issues together. The important relationships that were formed will improve the work of environmental policy advocates and further the messages that scientists have for policy makers and the public alike:
  • the impacts of climate change on the ocean are real
  • the impacts are already taking place
  • drastic changes are needed.
A very clear sense of direction emerged, and next steps were determined. Concern was expressed over the amount of uncertainty around the impacts that are already taking place and the ability to make meaningful changes in a useful time-frame. This was coupled with enthusiasm and commitment to working towards solutions.

Outcomes
  1. The conservation community was presented with invaluable scientific information about the effects of climate change on the ocean.
  2. A connection between the conservation community and the science community focusing on the ocean and climate change was established and will be valuable in ocean conservation, and developing policy specific to protecting our oceans from climate change.
  3. A sense of direction for ocean conservation and management in the face of climate change was established among those attending.
  4. Valuable ideas were discussed and a number of follow up actions were agreed upon, including a further strategy session to finalize policy requests and discuss campaign directions.
Preparation material and agenda

Proceedings - Day 1

Proceedings - Day 2

Participant list