Intergeo expert highlights oceans' role in climate research, blue economy

Professor Martin Visbeck of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research has highlighted the often overlooked role of the oceans in climate change research. Despite oceans covering two-thirds of the Earth's surface and absorbing 90 percent of excess heat energy, they often remain on the periphery of climate research, according to Visbeck.

Visbeck attributes this to humans living on land and the greater difficulty in measuring oceanic compared to atmospheric phenomena. He stresses the importance of consistently emphasizing the oceans' significance and advocates for increased research and knowledge exchange in marine science.

In discussions related to INTERGEO, a trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation, and land management, Visbeck has pointed out the potential of the 'blue economy.' This economic model aims to protect marine ecosystems through various technologies and solutions.

According to Visbeck, digital twins of the oceans offer significant potential for understanding and management. These models can be used to develop and optimize frameworks for sustainable use and protection, balancing economic benefits with environmental conservation. He also mentioned technologies such as smart fishing methods and low-emission propulsion systems to minimize negative environmental impacts.

The INTERGEO event brings together representatives from science, business, and administration to discuss how geodata and new technologies can be leveraged to promote sustainable solutions. Visbeck notes that while the challenges are complex, the use of geodata can significantly improve the situation.