Unlocking the Science: Climate Change and the Oceans
Published:
On November 7th, Deutsche Schule Jakarta welcomed world-renowned Climate Scientist, Professor Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf, in a Climate Talk Hosted by the German Embassy in Indonesia.
In an engaging presentation, Professor Dr. Rahmstorf decoded the complexities of climate change, making it accessible to all. His extensive research and numerous scientific publications, including an award-winning book for young readers, exemplify his dedication.
This event was part of the embassy's "Climate Talks," an initiative by the Federal Foreign Office to encourage worldwide discussions on climate and environmental matters involving governments, businesses, academia, and civil society. It's especially vital for Indonesia, given its distinct climate and environmental challenges.
The audience included DSJ students, parents, teachers, staff, and guests from other schools. We gained valuable insights, understood the ocean-climate connection, and explored the latest climate research developments.
Professor Rahmstorf's talent for explaining complex topics in an engaging way is evident in his ranking among the world's top climate researchers on Twitter.
We greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with a leading climate expert, deepening our understanding of this crucial issue. Our heartfelt thanks to Prof. Rahmstorf for his essential work, especially in educating the next generation. Your dedication and expertise are invaluable.
Don't miss the photos below!
A Lecture by Prof. Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf at Deutsche Schule Jakarta
Greetings from Ms. Ina Lepel (Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany)
Global warming is increasingly affecting all of us. Being the global challenge that it is, we at the German Embassy in Indonesia work hard with our partners here in Jakarta, elsewhere in the country and in the whole of ASEAN to better understand what we are up for and how we can shape this future in the best way possible.
Thankfully, we are not alone. Scientists have been investigating causes and effects of climate change for decades, providing invaluable insights and recommendations for sensible measures to take. One of them is the renowned German Professor Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf of Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. And we will be lucky to have him here at DSJ on Tuesday for a session on the connection between a changing climate and the global oceans.
What is already known is that the contribution of the oceans and coasts to natural climate protection is huge: Oceans are an important carbon sink and they regulate the climate. They have already absorbed 90 % of the excess heat from the Earth's atmosphere and around a third of the carbon dioxide produced by humans. Intact marine habitats such as mangrove and algae forests, seagrass meadows and salt marshes naturally sequester carbon, as does the sediment on the seabed.
However, the state of our oceans is not good. In addition to overexploitation and pollution, the oceans are also suffering from the climate crisis. They are not only warming up, as they go absorbing CO2, they are also becoming more acidic. This has consequences for marine plants and animals. The composition of ecosystems is changing and their resilience is decreasing.
We need to understand the oceans as the basis of life and an essential part of the climate system. We can strengthen their natural functions by protecting the seas and coasts and making their use compatible with nature. Germany is committed to this in various international forums, one of which has this year agreed on a treaty that makes it possible to designate marine protected areas on the High Seas, outside of any nation’s territory.
At the same time, adaptation measures need to be taken, particularly on coasts, to combat rising sea levels, among other things. Many activities have multiple benefits: Measures such as planting mangroves contribute to coastal protection, biodiversity and greenhouse gas sequestration.
What else can we know in 2023 that may not yet have permeated through the layers of public perception? And how can each of us contribute to alleviating the pressure on the ocean? I certainly look forward to learning from professor Rahmstorf, and warmly recommend to all of you to take this opportunity as well.
