Climate Change and Oceans – Growing Threat and Implications for India

Abstract

The paper focuses on the maritime aspects of climate change. It highlights the regulatory role that the oceans play in the global climate, through its absorptive and buffering capacities. Based on recent reports, the paper presents various observations on ocean warming, sea level rise, ocean acidification and de-oxygenation, and charts out their impacts on the oceans. Based on forecasts for the future, it observes that these changes will continue to degrade marine ecosystems further, unless considerable action is taken now. The paper notes that climate change poses substantial risks to human and natural systems, which have significant implications for India. As this poses challenges to the growth and development of the country, India needs to take action for adaptation as well as for mitigation. The paper also examines India's stand in climate negotiations and suggests that India needs to adopt a flexible approach while championing the cause of an equitable and fair climate deal. The paper concludes that there is a strong case for bringing oceans into the public debate and strengthening India's resilience capacity is the key to face the growing threat of climate change.