Investigating the Oceans

The RSC has submitted evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee's inquiry: Investigating the Oceans.

Over the last 200 years the Oceans have absorbed approximately half of all man made carbon dioxide emissions.  There is considerable concern that this is leading to irreversible and highly damaging ocean acidification.  This could not only impact heavily upon aquatic ecosystems and ocean dwelling creatures, but could also affect future climate predictions.

There is speculation that the deep oceans could provide long term storage for captured carbon dioxide, thus helping minimise global climate change.  The practicalities and risks associated with this idea have yet to be investigated to a satisfactory level.