Web Strategy to Convey Marine Biogeochemical Feedback Concepts to the Policy Community: Aerosol and Sea Ice

Abstract

Limited understanding of the climate system imposes upon policy makers an intimate reliance on results from Earth System Models (ESMs). However, climate simulations are necessarily incomplete since many strong channels through planetary scale biology and geochemistry remain too complex or poorly comprehended to include. This paper presents and describes an interactive, public domain website detailing the role of two marine biogeochemical (mBGC) feedback loops currently excluded from many ESMs (www.marinefeedbacks.com). Every page on the website includes images or videos to foster engagement with its technically challenging content. Simultaneously, fundamentals of the natural science involved are reinforced. The site includes subsections of the following nature; background information, executive summaries for each feedback type, detailed descriptions of the chemical mechanisms, climate change impact, and recommendations for future research. The information provided is firmly grounded in the technical literature but is designed specifically for accessibility to non-scientists. Particular targets for the material are the next-generation of decision makers and those framing the international climate agenda. It is hoped that a site with tailored pedagogical value may contribute to well informed policy formulation and legislation.

Climate Change Impacts on Natural Sulfur Production: Ocean Acidification and Community Shifts

“…However, following the publication, more in-depth model investigations have reported DMS feedback may act to accelerate the impact of climate change, leading to additional warming [3]. For a supplementary examination of the formation and influence of natural sulfur emissions, refer to Menzo, 2018 [5].…”

Ocean Contributions to the Marine Boundary Layer Aerosol Budget

“…This is particularly true for policymakers, who may be dedicated professionals in their own right but have only limited understanding of the feedback-intensive global climate system. To address this problem, Menzo [7] has developed a web-based strategy specifically designed to convey marine biogeochemical feedback concepts to lawmakers and their colleagues as may be necessary. The information is provided as an interactive, public domain website.…”