Climate Change and Ocean Renewable Energy: Policy Problems

Public policy has honed in on a central issue of the 21st century: climate change and its impact on biodiversity and human welfare. A viable strategy for mitigating the adverse consequences of climate change involves a shift towards renewable energy sources, considering leveraging the ocean’s potential. However, the complex interplay of institutional dynamics and potential challenges from various quarters demands careful consideration. These challenges primarily revolve around jurisdictional concerns and environmental impact. Nations assert their rights over specific oceanic territories, complicating the harnessing of ocean-based energy resources. As the oceans are not universally recognized as global commons, the clash of these rights becomes a critical concern. Further, it is essential that any efforts to generate energy from the ocean do not inadvertently exacerbate environmental degradation, as this would defeat the purpose of transitioning to renewable energy sources in the first place. However, these issues constitute what are commonly known as ‘wicked problems’, where almost any course of action may give rise to negative consequences. These repercussions can manifest as legal infringements, curtailed energy production from the ocean, or further harm to the delicate marine ecosystem. While technological advancements can offer some mitigation measures, the acquisition and sharing of such technologies pose challenges, particularly for nations grappling with pressing energy needs for developed countries and even more pronounced for developing nations. This analysis aims to shed light on these multifaceted issues from a qualitative perspective, underscoring the importance of understanding and elucidating these complexities for informed decision-making in this domain.