University of Liverpool ocean scientist Professor Alessandro Tagliabue spoke directly to world leaders today, including French President Emmanuel Macron, about the research he is currently undertaking in the Antarctic Ocean and the urgent need to protect the area from the threat of climate change and exploitation.
He spoke via Zoom to the One Ocean Summit,whose audience included President Macron and John Kerry, the US special presidential envoy for climate, from the Weddell Sea where he is the chief scientist on board the laboratory-schooner Tara as it undertakes the Antarctic leg of the 'Mission Microbiomes' expedition.
Professor Tagliabue said: "We are right now in the Weddell Sea in Antarctica at around 64 degrees South.We are sampling in the Weddell sea to understand how the changing environment affects the functioning of the microscopic marine microbes that form the base of the food chain.Antarctic ecosystems are unique.
"We need to come here to this tough environment to obtain the knowledge necessary to deliver the improved predictions regarding the effects of climate change.
"However, the ability of the Weddell Sea to provide these important ecosystem services is under threat. Under threat from climate change, under threat from ocean acidification and under threat from the growing exploitation of marine resources in the region. It is urgent and pressing to protect these pristine environments in the Weddell Sea here, and in the East Antarctica."
The three-day One Ocean Summit is taking place in Brest, France and aims to mobilise the international community to take tangible action towards preserving and supporting a healthy and sustainable ocean. Attendees include Heads of State and Government, leaders of multilateral institutions, business leaders and policymakers.
Professor Tagliabue is part way through leading a five-week expedition on board the schooner Tara as it voyages from King George Island through the Weddell Sea and back across Drake Passage to Chile.
The 'Mission Microbiomes' expedition aims to shed light on how climate change may affect the structure and function of marine microbiome, with implications for the response of ocean ecosystems and its role in regulating climate.
