One Ocean: What Polar and Atlantic Change Means for Europe

The One Ocean: What Polar and Atlantic Change Means for Europe event will take place at the Natural History Museum in Brussels and online. Co-organised by the Horizon Europe projects OCEAN ICE and EPOC, the event will bring together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the implications of ongoing changes in the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic, and Southern Ocean for Europe.

The programme will present the latest research on Atlantic and polar changes, including changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and their potential consequences for Europe's climate, economy, infrastructure, and resilience. Discussions will also explore the role of integrated ocean and polar research in supporting preparedness, adaptation, and evidence-based policymaking.

Alongside the policy discussions, participants will have the opportunity to view an art exhibition inspired by Arctic research and photographic projections from the Arctic, Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, and the Atlantic.

Speakers include Daniela Schmidt (IPCC WGII coordinating lead author for Europe, University of Bristol), Larisa Lorinczi (DG RTD, European Commission), Renuka B. (EuroGOOS, European Global Ocean Observing System), Antonia Leroy (WWF European Policy Office) and Dr. Heïdi Sevestre (AMAP - The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme).

The joint policy brief sets out 3 recommendations directly relevant to current European legislative priorities:

• Integrate pole-to-pole observing systems into a coordinated European monitoring framework;
• Close the structural gap between climate models and dynamic ice sheets;
• Connect ocean & polar science to coastal risk management & adaptation planning.

These are not long-term research aspirations; they are inputs to the forthcoming Ocean Act, the Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy, the OceanEye Communication, and the EU Climate Law and Adaptation Strategy.

Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required. Further information and registration details are available on the event website.

The event will be followed by the public outreach session A Story of Penguins, Floats and Balloons in Antarctica, taking place later the same day at the same venue.