The Indian Ocean: more than a backdrop for spectacular sunsets

The Indian Ocean provides food, water and energy security to 22 countries around its rim, home to one-third of Earth’s human population (Hermes et al. 2019). Many of these countries have limited resources and rely on rain-fed, community-based agriculture and small-scale fishing. This depends heavily on favourable weather and climate patterns, in the ocean as well as the atmosphere.

Despite there being so many people dependent on it, it is one of the least studied oceans in the world.

Our researchers collaborated with a wide range of experts to present the current state of knowledge and highlighting gaps that remain in our understanding of this globally significant region in: The Indian Ocean and its role in the Global Climate System.

Having warmed faster since the 1950s than any other ocean, major environmental changes are occurring in the Indian Ocean. Understanding the role of a changing climate alongside non-climate pressures are important considerations for those managing the region’s vulnerable resources.