Applications of OA Science
Back to Blue Initiative
Back to Blue is an initiative by Economist Impact and The Nippon Foundation that brings together two organizations that share a common understanding of the need to improve evidence-based approaches and solutions to the pressing issues faced by the ocean, including ocean acidification. Back to Blue uses creative science communications like infographics and videos to engage the ocean community and beyond in deepening our understanding of ocean-climate issues and formulating effective solutions to resolve them.
The Nippon Foundation has long played a leading role in advancing scientific knowledge of the ocean, addressing sustainability and plastic pollution, and engaging young people and educational institutions to raise awareness of the ocean’s importance and the need for better stewardship. Economist Impact provides a platform for experts across business, academia, civil society, and policymaking to exchange ideas and collaborate. As host of the World Ocean Initiative and Summit since 2007, Economist Impact brings significant brand recognition and credibility to vital ocean issues, positioning itself as a convener of stakeholders and a catalyst for change.
Although Back to Blue does not conduct scientific research, the initiative is powered by specialists in analysis and communication who know how to capture and sustain public attention. As Senior editor Naka Kondo puts it, “If it doesn’t get seen or read, it doesn’t exist. Our job is to get the story across to people in a way that is digestible.”
As host of the World Ocean Initiative and Summit since 2007, the Economist platform has considerable brand recognition and credibility to leverage in support of important issues. Communicating the importance of ocean acidification through the brand directs the public’s attention, seeding the conversation and providing touch points for further engagement.
Recognizing that facts and data alone rarely inspire action, Back to Blue draws on the work of ocean acidification researchers and experts worldwide. Led by the editorial team at Economist Impact, the initiative helps direct public attention, spark conversation, and create meaningful points of engagement.
Logistics
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Project Leads:
Economist Impact
The Nippon Foundation
Key Partners:
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
IOC-UNESCO
University of Tokyo
WWF International
IAEA
IPBES
CSIRO
GOOS
University of Edinburgh
OA Alliance
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
NOAA
Laboratoire d'Oceanographie de Villefranche
ETH Zurich
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The Back to Blue Initiative was launched in 2021 and continues to publish science communications and hold international conferences and workshops throughout the year.
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Back to Blue utilizes social science, model projections, synthesis of existing data, and chemical and biological data from the open ocean and nearshore environments when composing ocean acidification science communications.
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Back to Blue disseminates the results of OA research that collects pH, TA, carbonate ion content ([CO32−]), and calcium carbonate mineral saturation states for aragonite (Ωarag) on any frequency of measurement.
Objectives
Back to Blue sees itself as a catalyst for change. This initiative aims to spread awareness of ocean acidification amongst the public, policymakers, and businesses to ultimately change people's behavior. By translating science into a more accessible narrative, Back to Blue aims to crystalize the connections between OA and ourselves, our communities and our economies.
Challenges
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Ocean literacy refers to the understanding of the ocean's influence on humans and their influence on the ocean, including the ways in which human carbon emissions are changing the climate and the ocean.
Much of the general population, including 50% of young people, do not understand the essential principles and fundamental concepts about how the ocean and climate function. Without this understanding, it is difficult to make informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources.
A key challenge in engaging the public with ocean acidification science is determining what level of communication will be most effective. The Economist editorial team has taken a practical approach in starting with the basics by describing how OA happens, exploring the impacts of OA, and drawing connections between compounding impacts on ecosystems, economies, and quality of life for all humans.
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Even within the ocean community, many people do not understand the different connections between ocean health and climate health across biospheres. The lack of cross-sector communication prevents collaboration; many researchers and others within the blue economy may know of each other, but have never thought to discuss the issue of ocean acidification together. Back to Blue believes there should be more opportunities for various people to connect in this way.
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The drivers of human behaviour are more complex than just knowledge and facts. If the desired outcome is not just to inform the public, but to elicit behaviour change, that is a substantial undertaking that requires additional strategy, funding, and management.
Despite young people's knowledge about the ocean and high interest in engaging with it, their actions and behaviours fall short, often as a result of barriers in connecting with the ocean, including lack of time, transit, or opportunity. These barriers are driven by complex structural issues within society. All of this must be considered when motivating the public to make changes in their behaviors.
Resources
