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energy sources, that are related by-products in pursuing
the achievement of SDGs but may impede on the health
and sustainability of marine ecosystems, and therefore
might in fact counteract those efforts.
In addition to oil and natural gas exploration, oceanic
waves, currents and off-shore wind are potentially
a huge source of energy containing 300 times more
energy than humans currently consume (SDG7
ensure
access to affordable, reliable sustainable and modern
energy for all
) (World Ocean Review, 2010). While these
energy sources do not rely on the ecological health of
the oceans, the development of these energy sources
in pursuit of SDG7 may, however, put the ecological
health of the ocean in jeopardy and thus could threaten
the achievement of other SDGs if such impacts are not
carefully addressed.
Healthy marine and coastal ecosystems significantly
support the achievement of a range of SDGs, in many
different ways and often at a very fundamental level.
However, the role they play is both insufficiently
understood as well as under-recognized in the current
policies and efforts we make towards sustainable
development. Informed and effective decision making
requires the right data to be generated, communicated,
and linked to policy needs and applications. Without
significant advancements of the science of the nexus of
marine and coastal ecosystem services and sustainable
development, and an increased uptake and application of
the science, we will not be able to capture the full support
we’re receiving from the ocean.
istock photos