Challenge 2:
Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity

Understand the effects of multiple stressors on ocean ecosystems, and develop solutions to monitor, protect, manage and restore ecosystems and their biodiversity under changing environmental, social and climate conditions.

The Arctic permafrost is thawing at ever-increasing speed due to rising temperatures. This melting is causing land collapse and coastal erosion, as well as the release of tonnes of methane and carbon dioxide trapped within and beneath the ice. On Banks Island, off the coast of northern Canada, the permafrost layers shaping the land were formed thousands of years ago. In recent years, thawing permafrost has been changing the landscape of the island, making access to some areas more difficult and altering the behaviour of wildlife and aquatic life. Moreover, it has forced the relocation of infrastructures and settlements to parts of the island further inland.