Marine Renewable Energy and Environmental Regulation
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Marine Environmental Law and Policy course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Abiotic factor refers to the non #
living components of an ecosystem, such as water quality, temperature, and salinity, which can impact the distribution and abundance of marine species. Related terms include biotic factor, ecosystem, and marine environment. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, abiotic factors can affect the performance and efficiency of renewable energy devices, such as tidal or wave energy converters. For example, changes in ocean currents or water depth can impact the energy output of these devices.
Absolute liability is a concept in environmental law where an individual or orga… #
Related terms include strict liability, environmental damage, and marine pollution. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, absolute liability can be applied to cases of oil spills or other forms of marine pollution, where the responsible party is held liable for the damages caused. For instance, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented regulations to hold ship owners and operators liable for oil spills, regardless of fault.
Adaptive management is an approach to managing natural resources, including mari… #
Related terms include ecosystem-based management, marine conservation, and sustainable development. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, adaptive management can be applied to the development and operation of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms or tidal energy arrays. For example, adaptive management can help to minimize the impacts of these projects on marine ecosystems and to optimize their performance and efficiency.
Aquatic ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms, including plants an… #
Related terms include marine ecosystem, freshwater ecosystem, and biodiversity. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, aquatic ecosystems are protected and conserved through regulations and policies, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in the European Union. For instance, the MSFD aims to achieve good environmental status (GES) for Europe's marine waters by 2020.
Benthic habitat refers to the habitat of organisms that live on, in, or near the… #
Related terms include marine habitat, coastal ecosystem, and ecosystem services. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, benthic habitats can be impacted by the development and operation of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms or tidal energy arrays. For example, the installation of offshore wind turbines can alter the seabed habitat and affect the distribution and abundance of benthic species.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species of plants, animals, and… #
Related terms include marine biodiversity, ecosystem services, and conservation. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, biodiversity is protected and conserved through regulations and policies, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). For instance, the CBD aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity, including the protection of endangered species and habitats.
Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capturing and storing carbon</i… #
Related terms include climate change, greenhouse gas, and renewable energy. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, carbon sequestration can be achieved through the development and operation of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms or tidal energy arrays. For example, these projects can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
Climate change refers to the long #
term warming of the planet, which is primarily caused by the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Related terms include global warming, sea level rise, and ocean acidification. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, climate change is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change. For instance, the Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Coastal erosion refers to the wearing away of the coastline or beach</… #
Related terms include coastal management, coastal protection, and shoreline stabilization. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, coastal erosion can be impacted by the development and operation of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms or tidal energy arrays. For example, the installation of offshore wind turbines can alter the coastal dynamics and affect the erosion or accretion of the coastline.
Coastal zone management refers to the planning and management of the coastal<… #
Related terms include integrated coastal zone management, coastal conservation, and sustainable development. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, coastal zone management is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Coastal Zone Management Act in the United States. For instance, the Act aims to promote the conservation and management of coastal resources, including the protection of coastal ecosystems and the promotion of sustainable development.
Conservation refers to the act of preserving or protecting the environment</i… #
Related terms include environmental conservation, marine conservation, and sustainable development. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, conservation is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States. For instance, the Act aims to protect and conserve marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and seals.
Decision #
making process refers to the series of steps and actions taken to make a decision, including the identification of options, evaluation of alternatives, and selection of a course of action. Related terms include environmental impact assessment, risk assessment, and management planning. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, the decision-making process can be applied to the development and operation of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms or tidal energy arrays. For example, the decision-making process can help to identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts, such as the effects on marine ecosystems or coastal communities.
Ecosystem #
based management refers to an approach to managing natural resources, including marine ecosystems, which involves considering the ecosystem as a whole and managing it in a way that maintains its integrity and functionality. Related terms include adaptive management, marine conservation, and sustainable development. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, ecosystem-based management is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in the European Union.
Ecosystem services refer to the benefits that people obtain from functioning … #
Related terms include biodiversity, ecosystem health, and sustainable development. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, ecosystem services can be impacted by the development and operation of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms or tidal energy arrays. For example, these projects can alter the ecosystem services provided by marine ecosystems, such as the provision of food or the regulation of climate.
Environmental impact assessment refers to the process of identifying and evaluat… #
Related terms include risk assessment, decision-making process, and management planning. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, environmental impact assessment can be applied to the development and operation of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms or tidal energy arrays. For example, the environmental impact assessment can help to identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts, such as the effects on marine ecosystems or coastal communities.
Environmental law refers to the body of laws and regulations that govern the … #
Related terms include marine environmental law, conservation law, and sustainable development law. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, environmental law is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Marine Environmental Protection Act in the United States. For instance, the Act aims to protect and conserve the marine environment, including the prevention of pollution and the promotion of sustainable development.
Environmental policy refers to the set of principles and guidelines that guide <… #
Related terms include marine environmental policy, conservation policy, and sustainable development policy. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, environmental policy is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the European Union's Environmental Policy. For instance, the Policy aims to protect and conserve the environment, including the promotion of sustainable development and the prevention of pollution.
Greenhouse gas refers to a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect,… #
Related terms include climate change, global warming, and renewable energy. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, greenhouse gases can be reduced through the development and operation of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms or tidal energy arrays.
Habitat refers to the natural environment in which an organism or species lives,… #
Related terms include marine habitat, coastal ecosystem, and biodiversity. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, habitat is protected and conserved through regulations and policies, such as the Habitats Directive in the European Union. For instance, the Directive aims to protect and conserve natural habitats and species, including the protection of marine habitats and the promotion of biodiversity.
Integrated coastal zone management refers to the planning and management … #
Related terms include coastal conservation, marine conservation, and ecosystem-based management. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, integrated coastal zone management is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Coastal Zone Management Act in the United States.
Marine conservation refers to the act of preserving or protecting the marine<… #
Related terms include environmental conservation, coastal conservation, and sustainable development. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, marine conservation is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Marine Conservation Act in the United States.
Marine ecosystem refers to a community of living organisms, including plants and… #
Related terms include aquatic ecosystem, coastal ecosystem, and biodiversity. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, marine ecosystems are protected and conserved through regulations and policies, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in the European Union.
Marine environmental law refers to the body of laws and regulations that govern… #
Related terms include environmental law, conservation law, and sustainable development law. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, marine environmental law is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). For instance, UNCLOS aims to promote the conservation and management of the marine environment, including the prevention of pollution and the promotion of sustainable development.
Marine policy refers to the set of principles and guidelines that guide marin… #
Related terms include environmental policy, conservation policy, and sustainable development policy. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, marine policy is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the European Union's Marine Policy. For instance, the Policy aims to promote the conservation and management of the marine environment, including the prevention of pollution and the promotion of sustainable development.
Marine protected area refers to a designated area of the marine environme… #
Related terms include marine reserve, marine sanctuary, and conservation area. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, marine protected areas are established and managed through regulations and policies, such as the Marine Protected Areas Act in the United States. For instance, the Act aims to establish and manage a network of marine protected areas, including the protection of marine ecosystems and the promotion of biodiversity.
Marine renewable energy refers to the energy generated from marine resour… #
Related terms include renewable energy, sustainable energy, and low-carbon energy. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, marine renewable energy can be generated through various technologies, such as tidal energy converters or wave energy converters. For example, these technologies can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
Marine spatial planning refers to the process of planning and managing th… #
Related terms include coastal zone management, marine conservation, and sustainable development. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, marine spatial planning is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Marine Spatial Planning Act in the United States. For instance, the Act aims to promote the conservation and management of the marine environment, including the identification of areas for conservation and renewable energy.
Ocean acidification refers to the decrease in the pH level of the ocea… #
Related terms include climate change, global warming, and marine conservation. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, ocean acidification is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Ocean Acidification Act in the United States. For instance, the Act aims to promote the conservation and management of the marine environment, including the prevention of pollution and the promotion of sustainable development.
Offshore wind energy refers to the energy generated from wind resources l… #
In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, offshore wind energy can be generated through various technologies, such as offshore wind turbines.
Renewable energy refers to the energy generated from natural resources th… #
Related terms include sustainable energy, low-carbon energy, and marine renewable energy. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, renewable energy can be generated through various technologies, such as tidal energy converters or wave energy converters.
Risk assessment refers to the process of identifying and evaluating the potentia… #
Related terms include environmental impact assessment, decision-making process, and management planning. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, risk assessment can be applied to the development and operation of renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind farms or tidal energy arrays. For example, the risk assessment can help to identify and mitigate potential environmental impacts, such as the effects on marine ecosystems or coastal communities.
Sea level rise refers to the increase in the sea level due to climate cha… #
Related terms include climate change, global warming, and coastal erosion. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, sea level rise is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Sea Level Rise Act in the United States. For instance, the Act aims to promote the conservation and management of the coastal environment, including the prevention of erosion and the promotion of sustainable development.
Sustainable development refers to the development that meets the needs of the pr… #
Related terms include environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability. In the context of Marine Environmental Law and Policy, sustainable development is addressed through regulations and policies, such as the Sustainable Development Act in the United States.
Tidal energy refers to the energy generated from the tides , which can be… #
Related terms include renewable energy, sustainable energy, and marine renewable energy. In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, tidal energy can be generated through various technologies, such as tidal energy converters.
Wave energy refers to the energy generated from the waves , which can be h… #
In the context of Marine Renewable Energy, wave energy can be generated through various technologies, such as wave energy converters.