Climate

CLIMATE

Climate is one of the core themes for VLIZ. Climate and the ocean are very much intertwined: the ocean drives global climate systems that make the planet habitable for humans. The ocean absorbs about 30% of emitted CO2 each year and has already captured 90% of excess heat.

However, global warming is putting pressure on the ocean. Thus, the ocean becomes more acidic, warmer and contains less oxygen.

One of the main threats of a warming climate, is the ever-faster rising sea level. According to predictions, by the end of this century, the sea level in our region could rise by one meter.

Given that the Belgian coastal zone is a densely populated, economically important, but above all low-lying region, it is therefore important to arm ourselves against this threat.

With its climate research, VLIZ aims to better understand the processes and interactions in a changing marine and coastal environment. Particular attention is given to investigating ocean biogeochemistry and the marine carbon cycle.