A Risk Assessment of Changing Climate on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean

Request Meeting Document

Document Number:

WS-CC-2023/16

Author(s):

Bertler, N.A.N. and I. Hawes

Submitted By:

Mr Nathan Walker (New Zealand)

Approved By:

Mr Nathan Walker (New Zealand)

Agenda Item(s)

WS-CC-2023 - 3.3 - Mechanisms to improve input, and use of, relevant scientific information and advice on climate change throughout CCAMLR’s work program

Abstract

Antarctica and Southern Ocean environments are changing rapidly in ways that are not always foreshadowed by model predictions. Using the examples of recent rapid reductions in sea ice areal cover and increased occurrence of extreme climate events, this paper recommends the development of an assessment of risk posed by possible changes to critical processes that fundamentally support CCAMLR management.