Dies Academicus
Dr. Stefan Partelow

The Blue Acceleration: Can Human Expansion Into the Ocean Be Sustainable?

Most people worldwide live on or near the coast. Oceans are also the largest buffer biophysical against climate change. For nearly 3.3 billion people, oceans provide a significant source protein source from fish. Yet, the costs of ocean mismanagement and governance failures are estimated at 1 trillion USD per year. As we expand our economy and future into the sea, many questions remain unanswered about our motivations, values, responsibilities and sustainability. Furthermore, there are questions about what types of research we need to address ocean governance and sustainability.  This lecture will present current data and research on the ocean economy, review challenges for governance and ask the question: how can we imagine sustainable ocean futures?