5. Stratification, Turbulence, and Services

This chapter continues the dialogue between science and the ocean, starting with a concerned science view. A great fear is that global warming may reduce areas of sinking water, reducing ocean ventilation. The ocean responds with an image of a kelp forest—among the most beautiful and biologically productive marine ecosystems, and one that has served the ocean for many millions of years. Interpreting the kelp forest as a metaphor suggests a need to listen better and realize that humans can develop a society in a similar way, as a rich habitat for human growth with diverse groups of people in a healthy environment. For this to happen, human attitudes need to change to create a society that serves the ocean as kelp forests do.