New film bring together scientists, industry, policy makers and
public together
12th May 2011
Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) today
announces the launch of a new short film “Ocean
acidification: Connecting science, industry, policy and
public”, at the International Ocean Acidification Reference
User Group meeting in Brussels.
Ocean acidification is a recently recognised
phenomenon which results from the growing quantities of carbon
dioxide (CO2) in the Earth’s atmosphere. Much of this
gas is being absorbed at the ocean surface, pushing seawater down
the pH scale towards acidity and posing a potential threat to
marine ecosystems and those dependent on them. As scientific
research reveals more about how the oceans and the life they
contain might be affected, there is a need to engage with a wider
community including policy makers, environmental managers and the
general public to understand what is happening, how we might be
affected and what actions could be taken to reduce any risks.
The film brings together a wide range of
stakeholders including HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, school
children, a Plymouth fishmonger, a UK government Chief Scientific
Adviser, representatives from industry and policy making
departments, as well as a group of internationally recognised
expert scientists.
It has become obvious that each of the
interest groups has its own concerns and level of understanding. Dr
Carol Turley OBE, who led the film production team at PML in her
role as Knowledge Exchange Coordinator for the UK Ocean
Acidification Research Programme, explains this can lead to
confusion and misunderstanding:
“Scientists are reticent to make long-term
predictions until they have a sound scientific basis for doing so;
policy makers often require immediate answers that can lead to
timely solutions, while industry needs to plan ahead; and the
public want to know how they may be affected and what is being done
to face any likely threats. Such a diversity of information
requirements sounds like a recipe for confusion. This film
highlights the need for clear communication at the earliest
opportunity to ensure that all stakeholder groups go forwards with
an understanding of each others’ positions and responsibilities, by
using a real example of how this is already working within the
ocean acidification community.”
Although the final impacts are still not
clear, ocean acidification is relatively newly recognised,
happening now and should be a concern for all of us as it has the
potential to affect everyone. However, making sure the message gets
through can be a real challenge. Speaking the same language,
understanding the different requirements of the various interest
groups and accepting the importance of working together is the
first step.
Dr Faith Culshaw from the Natural Environment
Research Council (NERC), who commissioned the film, added
“Communication between these groups is essential if we are to face
up to the world’s pressing environmental challenges. This short
film, which we at NERC were pleased to support financially, shows
that getting all interests around the same table to face up to a
challenge, understand what needs to be done and sharing the
responsibility can and does work.”
Prof Dan Lafolley, Chair of the international
Reference User Group on Ocean Acidification, is clear
about the importance of this film "Everyone should see it. A
powerful new film. Fantastically clear, it gives a fresh look at
ocean acidification - one of the most important environmental
issues of the modern generation".
The 12 minute film “Ocean acidification: Connecting science,
industry, policy and public”, can be viewed here.