A holistic view of how the ocean functions, how human interactions with the ocean can be understood, and what solutions are available to support both sustainable use and stewardship of our blue planet. Is the ocean the real final frontier? Humans have a greater understanding of the surface of the moon than they do of the depths of these waters.
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But what we know of the ocean proves it hosts a wealth of opportunity – connecting the world; supporting important and basic economic, cultural and environmental functions – despite being under significant threat. Stressed by unsustainable lifestyles and the increasing demands of a growing global population, how do we become good stewards of this massive natural resource?
In this course, learn from the world's leading experts on ocean science. They will present the issues and potential solutions – grounded in rigorous scientific research – to fight for our endangered waters.
This course is for:
- Those who loved Planet Earth and The Blue Planet.
- Sustainable development practitioners who need a science-based overview of preservation and conservation of the oceans and the ecosystems they support
- Private-sector actors – such as those who work in corporate sustainability and responsibility, energy, fishing and other industries connected to the oceans – who are interested in understanding the sustainable interaction of their field with these resources
- Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students studying oceanography, environmental science, environmental law, sustainable development, sustainable business and related fields
- Climate change activists or practitioners interested in the current science and governance of ocean use and preservation
What you'll learn
- The physics, biology, chemistry, and the geology of the ocean
- Howhuman interactions with the ocean impact its resilience
- Rules and regulations governing ocean use, and related economics of ocean ecosystems
- Sustainable solution options for natural resource use, habitat protection, fisheries and coastal systems
Syllabus
Module 1: One Planet – One Ocean
- The Ocean MOOC
- The Ocean: A finite resource
- Concepts of Sustainability
- Economic Models of Sustainability
- Governing Global Commons
- Values and Attitudes to the Ocean
- From Science to Solutions
Module 2: Coasts
- Coastal Systems
- Influences from Land: Deltas under Pressure
- Influences from the Ocean: Coastal Hazards
- Threats from the Sea Bed
- Coastal Ecosystems
- Ecosystem and Nutrient Management
- Coastal Solutions: Ecosystem-based Management
- Future of our Coasts
Module 3: Marine Ecosystems
- Dance of the plankton
- Marine Ecosystem Change and Services
- Valuing Ocean Assets
- Resilience and Adaptation in the Ocean
- Alien Species Migrations and Range Shifts
- Ocean Plastic A) - Where is it?
- Ocean Plastic B) - What to do about it?
- Marine Spatial Planning
Module 4: Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Marine Food Chains
- Aquaculture and Mariculture
- Fisheries Economics and Management
- Sustainable Management of Fisheries
- From Attitude to Action
Module 5: Marine Life and Minerals
- Ocean Evolution
- Evolution and Marine Diversity
- Life in the Deep Sea
- Non-Renewable Ocean Resources
- Seafloor Resources: Energy and Minerals
- Ocean Exploration and Sustainable Use of Marine Resources
Module 6: Ocean and Climate
- Human influence on the Ocean
- Changes in Ocean Circulation
- Ocean Prediction
- Ocean Heat Storage and Sea Level
- The Ocean’s Biological Pump
- Ocean Change: A Mix of Interacting Stressors
- Climate Engineering
- Sub-Seafloor Carbon Storage
