Climate resilient ocean governance in the people’s republic of China

The world’s oceans—covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface—and climate change are directly and indirectly linked.1 For instance, the ocean plays a large role in global climate regulation via its system of currents, which distributes heat and moisture worldwide. Accordingly, ocean currents can greatly influence meteorological weather patterns such as precipitation and tropical storms. Ocean currents also transport nutrients and plankton worldwide, which are essential for healthy oceanic ecosystems.

The world’s oceans can absorb and store a vast amount of heat and carbon dioxide from the sun, natural processes, and anthropogenic activity.2 The world’s oceans are estimated to absorb approximately 90% of anthropogenic heat and 30% of anthropogenic carbon emissions.3 Without the presence of the oceans and their roles as carbon and heat sinks, the impacts of a warming climate would be even more severe. It is therefore vital to implement effective policies to protect and maintain the health of the oceans for climate change mitigation.

source :

https://www.adb.org/publications/climate-resilient-ocean-governance-prc