Ocean acidification is a major threat to marine ecosystems. It is caused by increasing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere due to anthropogenic emissions and has socio-ecological and socio-economic ramifications for many countries. However, in some critical areas like the Philippines, a known center of marine biodiversity, no legislation currently exists to manage it. This could be due to lack of understanding of the problem, conflicting priorities, or difficulties in implementation common to many developing countries. We consider a possible incremental pathway for the mitigation of ocean acidification impacts on Philippine marine ecosystems using existing laws on marine pollution. This could complement longer term efforts to formalize legislation and institutionalize efforts to address its effects in the country. The approach may possibly be applied in other areas where no specific legislation exists to address crucial environmental problems.
Reyes M., Pavia R. & van Hooidonk R., 2023. Ocean acidification in the Philippines and the potential role of water pollution management in mitigating an unaddressed threat. Regional Environmental Change 23: 107. doi: 10.1007/s10113-023-02102-6. Article.
