United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to Furnish 10,000 Maritime Vessels with Sensing Devices for Expedition Purposes

Let's Arm 10,000 Ships for Oceanic Discoveries: UNESCO's Revolutionary Plan

UNESCO to Fit 10,000 Oceangoing Vessels with Sensors for Ocean Research - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to Furnish 10,000 Maritime Vessels with Sensing Devices for Expedition Purposes

Why do we know more about the moon's craters than the ocean floor? That's the question UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay aims to answer. Exploring the oceans is like embarking on the grand scientific adventure of our time. But alas, our investments in ocean research remain paltry, with less than two percent of national research budgets allocated.

UNESCO sets sail with the United Nations Ocean Conference kicking off on June 5th in Nice as the starting gun. Their goal? To convince member states and the shipping industry alike to join hands and collect ocean data that'll make Neptune's kingdom more comprehensible.

These Goos sensors, always on the pulse, transmit meteorological and oceanographic data in real-time. This data helps us comprehend the ramifications of climate change and extreme weather conditions, improving maritime safety.

As of 2017, only 5.8% of the ocean floor was mapped in high resolution. But UNESCO's vision is grander. By the UN Ocean Conference, they anticipate commitments from countries like Germany, Norway, Portugal, and Canada to publish their ocean data.

UNESCO's rallying cry to the shipping industry is simple: equip 10,000 commercial vessels with oceanographic sensors by 2035. This collaboration involves spearheading a global coalition of leading international organizations, governments, and pioneers in the marine industry. Together, they'll outfit participating fleets with cutting-edge, standardized, and automated metocean technologies. These state-of-the-art instruments will offer real-time data on ocean conditions, benefiting everything from operational forecasting to early warnings and environmental conservation.

This initiative is more than just a scientific endeavor; it's a crucial measure to back global climate commitments and sustainable development goals. The project mirrors the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), aiming to bolster ocean data collection, refine climate modeling, and ensure more effective disaster preparedness. With the shipping industry onboard, UNESCO dreams of constructing a more comprehensive and sustainable ocean observation system.

The benefits of this bold venture are manifold. Enhanced ocean data will help refine climate models, providing better decision-making tools for policymakers and researchers. Real-time data from ships can aid in early warning systems for disasters, potentially saving lives and reducing damage. By monitoring ocean health, the initiative can help track changes in marine ecosystems and support sustainable practices in shipping and other industries. And finally, more accurate forecasting can lead to safer and more efficient shipping operations, cutting costs associated with rerouting around weather systems.

In essence, this initiative is poised to herald a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future for ocean management and global environmental stewardship. So, buckle up, dear sailors, as we set sail on this exciting scientific adventure. The ocean awaits!

[1] UNESCO Ocean Literacy Programme. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/themes/ocean-literacy

[2] European Marine Board. (2017). Developing a European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). Marine Board Report to the European Commission No. 91. Retrieved from https://publications.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/646b74de-bc2a-467e-ae8f-d8963686d264

[3] World Meteorological Organization. (2020). Key Weather and Climate Datasets. Retrieved from https://public.wmo.int/en/our-mandate/climate/key-weather-and-climate-datasets

[4] Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. (n.d.). GEOSUBDive. Retrieved from https://www.ioc-unesco.org/free-ocean-coastal-mapping-toolkit/

[5] World Bank. (2021). Maritime Transport. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/maritime

1. The Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament should consider investing more in the scientific study of oceans and climate change, considering the importance of environmental science in understanding the implications of climate-change on our oceans.
2. In light of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the European Parliament could collaborate with the shipping industry, adopting policies to encourage the installation of real-time oceanographic sensors on gadgets like commercial vessels, as proposed by UNESCO, to advance our understanding of the ocean and support sustainable development goals.
3. Simultaneously, the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission could advocate for the integration of ocean data in the development of technology and scientific research, perhaps in collaboration with international organizations, governments, and pioneers in the marine industry, to promote progress in areas like weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, and environmental conservation.

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