| Description |
This indicator shows the yearly mean concentration of hydrogen ions in surface seawater in the northeastern Atlantic and adjacent seas, expressed in nanomoles per litre (nmol/l). An increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions corresponds to a decline in pH value and an increase in seawater acidity. This trend is caused by an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, which increases the uptake of CO2 by the ocean. The Copernicus Marine Service has reconstructed the trends in global ocean acidification from 1985 onwards. |
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| Rationale |
Indicator is used to monitor progress towards SDG 14 on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine recources for sustainable development which is embedded in the European Commission’s Priorities under ‘Sustaining our quality of life: food security, water and nature’. The indicator can be considered as similar to the global SDG indicator 14.3.1 “Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of representative sampling stations”. |
| Content and progress |
SDG 14 aims to protect and ensure the sustainable use of oceans. This includes the reduction of marine pollution and the impacts of ocean acidification, the ending of overfishing and the conservation of marine and coastal areas and ecosystems. SDG 14 has strong interdependencies with a broad range of other SDGs, as oceans sustain coastal economies and livelihoods, contribute to food production and function as a carbon sink. Recognising the limitations of tackling ocean governance at a Member State or European level, the EU is working to ensure a stronger system of ocean governance to achieve the conservation and sustainable use of both regional and international waters. The EU has also a range of strategies which aim to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions including CO2. |
