Theme 4. Responses of Society

This theme will focus on interactions between human and ocean systems. Its motivation stems from recognition that humans not only influence ocean systems, but that humans also depend on ocean systems for goods and services. Several interactions between humans and natural systems are considered in the previous three themes, including addressing the human system as a cause of change in the ocean system and considering the role of the ocean in human-induced climate change. The theme goal is to promote an understanding of the multiple feedbacks between human and ocean systems, and to clarify what human institutions can do, either to mitigate anthropogenic perturbations of the ocean system, or to adapt to such changes. A major challenge is therefore to bring together scientists from a wide range of disciplines to identify areas of joint concern and interest, and to build an ongoing collaborative natural-social science research community.