Opinion | Asia needs urgent help to reverse ocean heatwave

In addition, these vast reservoirs play a significant role in carbon storage, absorbing an estimated 30 percent of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions since the beginning of the industrial era.

There is an urgent need to protect Asia’s oceans from warming and its challenges. The consequences of inaction are heavy : strongincluding the intensification of tropical cyclones.

A recent study revealed a significant increase in the destructive power of tropical cyclones in East and Southeast Asia between 1979 and 2016. Projections indicate that by the end of the century, this destructive power will double in the western North Pacific due to ocean heat waves.

There is no more effective solution than accelerating global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to renewable energy is essential, and countries like China and Japan are the leaders.

China added nearly 350 gigawatts of renewable capacity last year, more than half the global total, and Japan’s plan to phase out 100 inefficient coal-fired power plants by 2030 is a step in the right direction.

While reducing emissions is crucial, we must also focus on strengthening the resilience of ecosystems, which gives environments and their inhabitants the best chance of surviving in warmer seas.

The risks associated with marine heatwaves can be reduced by taking actions such as reducing pollution and preserving more habitats, such as seaweed beds AND seagrass meadowswhich contain huge amounts of carbon.

Indonesia has taken a progressive approach, as evidenced by its Seagrass Blue Carbon Mitigation Action Profile, in which it committed to protecting seagrass meadows to contribute to significant carbon dioxide emission reductions by 2030.

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To mitigate the risk of marine heatwaves, accurate forecasting is paramount. Given the complex nature of marine ecosystems and the far-reaching impacts of these events on natural habitats and human communities, a comprehensive understanding is essential.

To this end, further research is needed in marine heatwave science. This research should collect data on temperature, currents, salinity, pH levels, and biodiversity. In addition, the impact of heatwaves on factors such as food availability, ocean currents, chemistry, and depth of penetration should be investigated to improve forecasting models.

For example, China recently launched a national marine heatwave forecasting system and plans to introduce monthly and quarterly forecasts. In addition, China is establishing a collaborative platform with experts from France, the United States, Australia, Japan and Southeast Asia to study the predictability and impact of marine heatwaves.

As we work to understand and predict these events, we must not forget the human factor. Educating coastal communities about the risks of marine heatwaves and providing them with resources to adapt their livelihoods can help minimize the economic impact.

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This includes financial support. India’s National Climate Change Adaptation Fund is allocating resources to help coastal communities adapt to changing ocean conditions. Expanding such programs across Asia could provide a crucial safety net for vulnerable populations.

The private sector also has a key role to play. Companies operating in coastal areas or relying on marine resources need to recognise the risks of ocean warming and reduce their environmental impact.

For example, the Asian Sustainable Finance Initiative, a multi-stakeholder forum developed by WWF in Singapore that brings together financial institutions to promote sustainable business practices, could become a platform for engaging the private sector in ocean conservation.

The decisions we make today will shape the future of our oceans for generations to come. By taking decisive action – from reducing emissions and protecting marine habitats to investing in research and supporting vulnerable communities – we can reverse ocean warming and ensure a sustainable future for Asia’s seas and the billions of people who depend on them.

Mohammad Yunus is an independent researcher currently pursuing a Masters in Biological Sciences at Khon Kaen University in Thailand