Grand Challenge II

Improving scenarios, predictions and projections of future ocean-human systems at multiple scales

Deputy Co-Champion: Jess Melbourne-Thomas

 

The Challenge: To incorporate understanding of the drivers and consequences of global change on marine ecosystems and human societies at multiple scales into models to project and predict future states

Infographic illustrating Grand Challenge II (left). Knowledge gained in Grand Challenge I is used to (i) develop models incorporating biogeochemistry, biodiversity, fishing, economics, human development, behaviour and wellbeing, and feedbacks between these, and to (ii) predict and project changes to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning including provision of ecosystem services at a range of time and space scales.

Priority research objectives (2022-2025)

  1. Development of integrated data systems and approaches for predictions and projections
    • Assess the types of social science data (disciplines, scales, methods) currently available and required for use in regional/local projections and their accessibility. 
    • Develop approaches for integration of natural and human systems data for model validation and assessment (e.g. the IMBeR-OFI Marine Data Hub to access social and natural science data
  1. Development of predictive models and projections for use at regional scales
    • Produce best practices for downscaling approaches developed for regional system modelling and projections.
    • Identify pathway for the integration of social processes in regional system models and projections.
  1. Development of alternative scenarios to bridge the gap between physical climate sciences and humanities
    • Generate approaches to provide multi-scale storylines for local communities.
    • Develop coupled socio-ecological models in local areas and regions.

Key deliverables of Grand Challenge II

  1. An assessment of the types of social science data (disciplines, scales, methods) currently available and required for use in regional/local projections and their accessibility
  2. The development of approaches for integration of natural and human systems data for model validation and assessment
  3. Best practices for downscaling approaches developed for regional system modelling and projections
  4. Pathway for the integration of social processes in regional system models and projections
  5. Generation of approaches to provide multi-scale storylines for local communities
  6. Development of coupled socio-ecological models in local areas and regions

Fact Sheet | Current

Fact Sheet | Previous