Plankton

This BBC Radio 4 podcast episode of "In Our Time" features a discussion on plankton with host Robert Douglas-Fairhurst and three guests: Carol Robinson, Christopher Lowe, and Abigail McQuatters-Gollop. The discussion covers the diversity, characteristics, and ecological significance of plankton, including their role in oxygen production, the biological carbon pump, and marine food webs. The panel explores how human activities, such as nutrient pollution, climate change, and shipping, impact plankton distribution and ocean health. They also touch upon potential geoengineering solutions and the importance of international collaboration in marine science to better understand and sustainably manage the marine environment.

Outlines

Part 1: Plankton Introduction

Part 2: Monitoring and Influences

Part 3: Climate Change and Human Impact

Part 4: Management and Collaboration

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In Our Time

Part 1: Plankton Introduction

Introduction to Plankton Diversity and Characteristics

Plankton Size, Visibility, and Evolutionary Origins

The Biological Carbon Pump and Plankton's Role

Part 2: Monitoring and Influences

Plankton Monitoring and Mixotrophs

Nutrients, Imbalances, and Ecological Impacts

Light, Temperature, and Plankton

Part 3: Climate Change and Human Impact

Climate Change, Plankton Distribution, and Human Impact

Ocean Acidification and the Importance of Plankton

Supporting Plankton and Ocean Engineering

Part 4: Management and Collaboration

Plankton's Role in Decision-Making

The Scale of Change and International Collaboration

Closing Remarks and Refreshments

Plankton

In Our Time

Part 1: Plankton Introduction

00:35Introduction to Plankton Diversity and Characteristics

Introduction to Plankton Diversity and Characteristics

04:44Plankton Size, Visibility, and Evolutionary Origins

Plankton Size, Visibility, and Evolutionary Origins

07:54The Biological Carbon Pump and Plankton's Role

The Biological Carbon Pump and Plankton's Role

Part 2: Monitoring and Influences

12:37Plankton Monitoring and Mixotrophs

Plankton Monitoring and Mixotrophs

17:37Nutrients, Imbalances, and Ecological Impacts

Nutrients, Imbalances, and Ecological Impacts

21:45Light, Temperature, and Plankton

Light, Temperature, and Plankton

Part 3: Climate Change and Human Impact

27:05Climate Change, Plankton Distribution, and Human Impact

Climate Change, Plankton Distribution, and Human Impact

32:35Ocean Acidification and the Importance of Plankton

Ocean Acidification and the Importance of Plankton

37:26Supporting Plankton and Ocean Engineering

Supporting Plankton and Ocean Engineering

Part 4: Management and Collaboration

42:43Plankton's Role in Decision-Making

Plankton's Role in Decision-Making

45:12The Scale of Change and International Collaboration

The Scale of Change and International Collaboration

48:43Closing Remarks and Refreshments

Closing Remarks and Refreshments