Chapter Twenty-one: Carbon observations of Oceans and Coastal waters from Space

Abstract

“Oceans and Society: Blue Planet” is an exciting new GEO initiative designed to: • Raise public awareness of the role of the oceans in the Earth system, of their impacts (positive and negative) on humankind and of the societal benefits of ocean observations; • Coordinate the various marine initiatives within GEO and develop synergies among them; and • Advocate for and advance the establishment and maintenance of a global observing network for the oceans. The Blue Planet Task is a comprehensive initiative with six main Components: • C1: Sustained Ocean Observations; • C2: Sustained Ecosystems and Food Security; • C3: Ocean Forecasting; • C4: Services for the Coastal Zone; • C5: Climate and Carbon; • C6: Developing Capacity and Societal Awareness.