The Ocean as a key factor in climate change issues

Understanding the processes at work in the context of climate change is a real challenge for human societies, for today, but also for the future. Because the ocean is a key actor in climate regulation: it stores, transports heat and absorbs a very large quantity of CO2. Scientists are working to understand the interactions between the ocean and climate by studying the physical, chemical and biological processes at work. They try to answer the following questions: How does the ocean influence climate? To what extent do current climate changes have an impact on the ocean, coasts, ecosystems and human societies? Nowadays, the majority of researchers working in marine science are involved, directly or indirectly, in climate-related issues.

Know the past

Diving into the distant past of the Earth

The Earthbloom project looks at the history of the Earth 3 billion years ago in order to provide information on the evolution of the first life forms.

A journey into the past through sedimentary basins

The study of sediments deposited on the ocean floor provides information on past climate events.

When humans come to mask natural variability

The sediments of the Brest harbour provide information on the environmental changes that have occurred over the past 150 years.

Know the past

Diving into the distant past of the Earth

The Earthbloom project looks at the history of the Earth 3 billion years ago in order to provide information on the evolution of the first life forms.

A trip into the past through sedimentary basins

The study of sediments deposited on the ocean floor provides information on past climate events.

When humans come to mask natural variability

The sediments of the Brest harbour provide information on the environmental changes that have occurred over the past 150 years.

Understanding the present

The biological carbon pump, a climate regulator

The ocean absorbs nearly 30% of the carbon dioxide emissions that humans generate by burning coal or oil, helping to slow climate change.

Ocean circulation, transports and redistributes energy

The ocean stores, transports and releases heat, helping to regulate temperatures. But climate change is changing the ocean circulation.

Biodiversity and ecosystems facing change

From the Brest bay to the other side of the world, researchers are trying to understand the effect of global warming on marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

Human societies, vulnerable to change

Human societies are already facing the challenges of climate change. People living on the coast are particularly affected.

Understanding the present

The biological carbon pump, a climate regulator

The ocean absorbs nearly 30% of the carbon dioxide emissions that humans generate by burning coal or oil, helping to slow climate change.

Ocean circulation, transports and redistributes energy

The ocean stores, transports and releases heat, helping to regulate temperatures. But climate change is changing the ocean circulation.

Biodiversity and ecosystems facing change

From the Brest bay to the other side of the world, researchers are trying to understand the effect of global warming on marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

Human societies, vulnerable to change

Human societies are already facing the challenges of climate change. People living on the coast are particularly affected.

Preparing for the future

Collaborate to reduce effects and adapt to consequences

The ocean can provide solutions to mitigate climate change but also to adapt to it.

The ocean at the centre of international climate discussions

Since COP 21 in 2015 in Paris, the ocean has been given greater prominence in climate negotiations.

Preparing for the future

Collaborate to reduce effects and adapt to consequences

The ocean can provide solutions to mitigate climate change but also to adapt to it.

The ocean at the centre of international climate discussions

Since COP 21 in 2015 in Paris, the ocean has been given greater prominence in climate negotiations.

The Ocean as a key factor in climate change issues

Know the past

Diving into the distant past of the Earth

A journey into the past through sedimentary basins

When humans come to mask natural variability

Know the past

Diving into the distant past of the Earth

A trip into the past through sedimentary basins

When humans come to mask natural variability

Understanding the present

The biological carbon pump, a climate regulator

Ocean circulation, transports and redistributes energy

Biodiversity and ecosystems facing change

Human societies, vulnerable to change

Understanding the present

The biological carbon pump, a climate regulator

Ocean circulation, transports and redistributes energy

Biodiversity and ecosystems facing change

Human societies, vulnerable to change

Preparing for the future

Collaborate to reduce effects and adapt to consequences

The ocean at the centre of international climate discussions

Preparing for the future

Collaborate to reduce effects and adapt to consequences

The ocean at the centre of international climate discussions

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