Climate Change

OSPAR is aware that the effects of climate change and ocean acidification are apparent throughout the OSPAR maritime area and that pressures on the marine environment from climate change and ocean acidification are set to grow. Therefore, OSPAR is committed to monitoring and assessing the nature, rate and extent of the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on the marine environment, particularly on species, habitats and ecosystem functioning, and to considering appropriate ways of responding. Considerations of the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification, as well as the need for adaptation and mitigation, are integrated in all aspects of the work.

OSPAR works with partner organisations such as the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and the Arctic Council to enhance the knowledge on these issues. The Joint OSPAR/ICES Study Group on Ocean Acidification (SGOA) was formed in 2012, chaired by Evin McGovern (Ireland) and Mark Benfield (USA). In total 33 scientists representing 12 countries participated in SGOA.

Final Report to OSPAR of the Joint OSPAR/ICES Ocean Acidification Study Group (SGOA)

In 2019 OSPAR established an Intersessional Correspondence Group on ocean acidification (ICG-OA). The ICG’s remit is to lead the monitoring and assessment for ocean acidification.