The ocean is the Earth’s largest ecosystem, absorbing roughly 25 per cent of human-created carbon dioxide emissions. Despite its pivotal role in climate change, vast swathes of the world’s ocean have never been explored. Climate change affects oceans in multiple and sometimes unpredictable ways. The GEORGE project aims to provide policymakers with high-quality and reliable scientific data on the ocean’s condition, helping them make timely and informed decisions on how to adapt to climate change.
Using the scientific and technical expertise of its partners, GEORGE will develop new instruments for systematic, long-term autonomous ocean observations. Autonomous observations, though used in marine science for quite some time, have so far lacked sustainability and systematic integration. The new sensor and platform technology developed by GEORGE will significantly improve our understanding of the ocean carbon cycle and spark completely new research.
The new sensor and platform technology developed by GEORGE will significantly improve our understanding of the ocean carbon cycle and spark completely new research.
By collaborating actively with industry, the project will also enhance the competitiveness of European industries that produce and supply ocean observation equipment and technology. GEORGE engages with European small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the co-development and evaluation of technologies, thereby enhancing the overall level technological level of the industry.
GEORGE will also organise on-site training events for technicians and other staff operating the instruments. To create sustainability for the project results, GEORGE will provide online training materials as a massive online course (MOOC) that will remain openly available after the project has ended.