Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
SRM techniques aim to counter climate change and have very little
direct effect on ocean acidification. They were developed to reduce
the warming of the planet, for example, by reflecting solar radiation
through the injection of sulfur particles into the stratosphere [CRU 06].
Not only would these techniques not offer any solution to the problem
of acidification, but they would also allow sustained CO
2
emissions
with limiting consequences on the Earth's temperature. Furthermore,
these techniques would modify the highly complex processes and
feedback of the climate system with completely unknown secondary
effects [WIL 12].
In conclusion, although CDR techniques do present interesting
possibilities by directly addressing the cause of ocean acidification (in
contrast to SRM techniques), the cost of their implementation and the
CO
2
consumption that some need would limit their effectiveness.
Williamson and Turley [WIL 12] predicted that they would allow for
a maximum CO
2
reduction of around 10-50% of the actual emissions
and that there is a risk associated with a few of them. Geoengineering
techniques can, therefore, only be seen as a partial solution which
would complement a reduction of CO
2
emissions.
5.5.3.
Adaptation measures
Adaptation methods, often used on a local or regional level
following a precise and localized environmental impact, can increase the
resilience of marine ecosystems by reducing other stress factors and
thus slowing down the harmful effects of ocean acidification. These
methods could be a quicker and more acceptable option for decision
makers than just CO
2
mitigation [BIL 13]. For example, coastal
pollution due to the delivery of phosphate and nitrate from agriculture
or urban waste is one of the causes of ocean acidification in certain
regions. Limiting this pollution can, therefore, contribute toward
tackling ocean acidification [KEL 11]. The creation of marine
protected areas is a well-known method, which has already been
implemented with success for addressing other problems. Nevertheless,
Rau
et al.
[RAU 12] are concerned that the impact on marine-
protected areas would be too limited and slow for efficiently fighting
