Background
WG 41’s Phase 1 work identified the need for a more specified, in-depth and holistic approach to assessing proposed ocean interventions. Phase 2 focuses on developing this integrated assessment approach.
Please find WG 41’s abbreviated Phase 2 terms of reference here
Integrated Assessment Framework
The scientific and societal consequences of implementing any specific type of ocean intervention will vary across diverse countries and contexts. Therefore, WG 41 is developing an integrated assessment framework to holistically assess relevant scientific and societal issues that may arise in relation to potential ocean interventions primarily for climate change mitigation.
Potential users may include state regulators, policy makers, funders and other stakeholders involved in the consideration of proposals.
The assessment framework will be adaptable for iterative use in many different contexts where environmental and societal parameters vary significantly. It should provide a multi-level guide for how to conduct a holistic, context- and intervention-specific assessment to inform decision-making on a case-by-case basis. The framework will also be flexible to allow revisiting an assessment in the light of new evidence.
A draft of the framework will be presented at the One Ocean Science Congress in Nice in June 2025. After that it is intended to hold a workshop with external experts to review and finalise the framework before it will be published in the GESAMP Reports and Studies series and possibly in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Flow Chart and Questionnaire
Work on the flow chart and questionnaire to aid preliminary assessment of, and constructive feedback for, new ocean intervention proposals has begun. However, this work is not yet available for publication.