Observations to underpin policy: Examples of ocean and coastal observations in support of the sendai framework, the paris agreement, and sustainable development goal 14

The ocean impacts human well-being and sustainability by influencing weather, climate, the economy, health and safety. Ocean and coastal observations play a critical role in enabling decision-makers to understand ocean and coastal issues and shape effective policies. This chapter explores how ocean and coastal observations relate to the development and achievement of three of the Group on Earth Observation's engagement priority areas: the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Observing systems and outputs covered in this chapter include tsunami warning, storm surge monitoring and forecasting, monitoring ocean heat content, informing climate adaptation, monitoring of marine pollution and ocean acidification and safety at sea alters for fishers.