The ocean plays a central role in the Earth’s climate and weather systems, covering 70-75% of the “blue planet”. The ocean is basically a modulator, since its upper temperature governs air-sea exchanges with the atmosphere, and concomitantly atmospheric pressure at sea level via high- and low-pressure cells. All these aspects control the fundamental elements of climate and weather systems, such as atmospheric and oceanic circulation, winds,
monsoons, El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), hurricanes, and much more. Clearly there are diverse spatial and temporal scales involved, and this is where past, present, and future are linked. Fossil records of these processes provide important perspective on how the present came to be, with key context for future projections via simulations and modeling.
Marine plastic pollution is a pressing global environmental issue with far-reaching impacts on marine ecosystems and human health. Each year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans, where it persists for centuries, breaking down into smaller particles known as microplastics. These microplastics are ingested by marine life, leading to bioaccumulation of toxic chemicals in the food chain. Marine animals can become entangled in larger plastic debris, causing injury or death.
The economic cost of marine plastic pollution is significant, affecting industries such as fishing, tourism, and shipping. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts at local, national, and international levels, including reducing plastic use, improving waste management practices, and promoting sustainable alternatives. By taking action to reduce marine plastic pollution, we can help protect marine ecosystems and safeguard the health of our oceans for future generations.
Society and the oceans share a complex and intertwined relationship that spans cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions. Throughout history, oceans have served as highways for trade and cultural exchange, shaping societies and civilizations. Today, coastal communities rely on oceans for food, livelihoods, and recreation, highlighting the economic importance of marine resources. However, human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change threaten
the health of oceans, impacting societies worldwide. As stewards of the oceans, society plays a crucial role in conservation efforts and sustainable management practices to ensure the health and resilience of marine ecosystems for future generations. The relationship between society and the oceans is one of mutual dependence and responsibility, emphasizing the need for collaborative and holistic approaches to ocean governance and conservation.
The coast is the confluence point where oceans, land and atmosphere meet and interact dynamically, exchanging energy and material. Different natural processes in this environment are often interlinked in various degrees but also the human impact is a major influence. In the context of a global-change world, coastal systems have been the focus of interest in the last decades, as healthy coastal ecosystems (marshes, mangrove, seagrass meadows amongst others) behave like a protecting physical barrier and provide a carbon sequestering mechanism that contributes to climate-change mitigation.
This so-called “blue carbon” sink is thought to be more efficient than terrestrial forests. The study of these systems is crucial in order to take advantage of this so-called “negative emission technology”. The input of submarine fresh waters into the ocean, though negligible at global scale, can be an important contribution in terms of matter to coastal systems on a local scale, provides important fluxes of nutrients, carbon and metals to coastal waters, and constitutes an essential part of biogeochemical budgets.
