Pacific Ocean 2020 challenge: the way forward

Abstract

The Pacific Ocean covers 165.2 million square kilometers, an area larger than earth’s total land area. It is the engine room of the earth’s climate, playing an irreplaceable role in the planet’s carbon and water cycles. It supports the enormous biological diversity and ecosystems that directly support nearly 3 billion people who live in its 56 Pacific Island and Rim countries and territories (PIRCT), and the world at large through trade links.