21. October 2015 10:54
EMB Brussels event to highlight the importance of ocean research in addressing climate change
A scientific forum ‘The Ocean-Climate Nexus’, organized by the European Marine Board (EMB), will be held at the European Parliament in Brussels on 21 October 2015 at 16.00. The special parliament event is being hosted by former EMB vice-Chair, MEP Ricardo Serrão Santos.
The scientific presentations (programme link) will demonstrate the ocean’s critical role in our climate system and how human activities have added stress to this important life support system of our planet. As a joint effort by a group of scientific experts from both Europe and the US, the ocean research community will present a Consensus Statement calling for recognition of the ocean in a post-2020 climate agreement and a support to long-term ocean-climate research and observation programmes. The Statement sets out the key challenges for unravelling the links between ocean and climate and the most important research priorities that can help provide answers and support an evidence-based societal response to climate change. The statement has been jointly developed by the European Marine Board and the US Consortium for Ocean Leadership.
The two-hour programme also includes a panel discussion with representatives of the climate research community, the European Commission and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. Special video messages to support the key messages of the Forum will be provided by Sherri Goodman, Ocean Leadership President, and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Consensus Statement: Drafting experts and reviewers (link) (download the Consensus Statement)
Event Website: http://www.marineboard.eu/ocean-climate-nexus/home
Live Streaming: http://web.ep.streamovations.be/events/151021_marine-board.php & http://www.marineboard.eu/ocean-climate-nexus/media
Notes to editors:
The European Marine Board (www.marineboard.eu) is Europe’s foremost think tank for marine science policy. It is a partnership of major national marine science institutes, research funding agencies and national networks of universities, facilitating enhanced cooperation towards development of a common vision on the research priorities and strategies for marine science in Europe. In 2015, the Marine Board represents 36 member organizations from 19 countries.
The Statement is drafted by a joint Europe-U.S. group of experts nominated by the European Marine Board and Consortium for Ocean Leadership. Comments on the text were received through a consultation with additional experts and stakeholders. The Statement has been approved by the member of both organizations.
The Consortium for Ocean Leadership is a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization that represents the leading public and private ocean research and education institutions, aquaria and industry; working to advance research, education and sound ocean policy. oceanleadership.org
Press contacts:
European Parliament, Ms. Ana Camilo, ana.camilo[at]europarl.europa.eu, +32 (0)485 453276
European Marine Board, Dr. Nan-Chin Chu, nchu[at]esf.org, +32 (0)474 618108
