Stratification, Turbulence, and Service

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 similarly develop society as a rich habitat for human growth with diverse groups of people in a healthy environment. For this to happen, human attitudes must change to create a society that serves the ocean like kelp forests do.