Are we ready for ocean acidification? A framework for assessing and advancing policy readiness

• Published in: Environmental Research Letters
• Main Authors: Albright, Rebecca, Hansson, Lina, Cooley, Sarah, Gattuso, Jean-Pierre, Marshall, Paul, Marshall, Nadine, Fletcher, Stephen, Haraldsson, Gunnar, Hoegh-Guldberg, Ove
• Other Authors: Laboratoire d'océanographie de Villefranche (LOV), Institut national des sciences de l'Univers (INSU - CNRS)-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Institut de la Mer de Villefranche (IMEV), Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI), Institut d'Études Politiques IEP - Paris
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: HAL CCSD 2023
• Subjects: [SDE]Environmental Sciences; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://hal.science/hal-04263703; https://hal.science/hal-04263703/document; https://hal.science/hal-04263703/file/Albright_2023_Environ._Res._Lett._18_041001.pdf; https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/acc085

Abstract Effective climate policy that addresses carbon dioxide emissions is essential to minimizing and addressing the impacts of ocean acidification (OA). Here we present a framework to assess the readiness of OA policy, using coral reefs as a focal system. Six dimensions encompass comprehensive preparation by ecosystems and societies for the impacts of OA and other anthropogenic hazards: (1) climate protection measures, (2) OA literacy, (3) area-based management, (4) research and development, (5) adaptive capacity of dependent sectors, and (6) policy coherence. We define standardized indicators, identify leading countries, and evaluate the case study of Australia, the country with the largest coral reef system. The framework provides a rubric for a government unit to self- assess strengths and weaknesses in policy preparedness and to prioritize future endeavors.