The upcoming COP28 in Dubai is poised to be a crucial platform for global leaders, businesses, and civil society to address the pressing climate crisis. However, recent reports indicate that despite efforts, the world is falling short of meeting the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting temperature rise to 1.5C.
Recognizing the urgency, advocates are pushing for increased focus on harnessing the potential of the ocean to combat climate change. Restoring mangrove forests and leveraging tidal energy are among the suggested solutions that ocean campaigners believe can significantly contribute to climate mitigation efforts.
Since COP25 in 2019, discussions around ocean-related issues have gained prominence in UN climate negotiations. COP28, themed “Nature, Land Use, and Oceans” on 9 December, will spotlight the ocean’s role, hosting official discussions and dedicated side events like the Ocean Pavilion.
The Global Stocktake’s conclusion at COP28 presents a critical opportunity to highlight the ocean’s significance in climate action. Encouraging countries to integrate ocean-based strategies into their climate goals is a priority for many, aiming to position the ocean as a key component in addressing climate change impacts.
Efforts have been made to incorporate ocean-based measures into countries’ climate plans, with a significant proportion of new or updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from coastal and island nations including specific targets related to ocean-based climate actions.
The ocean’s immense role in regulating heat, water, and carbon cycles cannot be overstated, covering a vast portion of the planet’s surface. It has absorbed a substantial portion of greenhouse gas emissions and heat generated by human activities since the Industrial Revolution.
Recent studies have highlighted that ocean-based solutions could contribute up to 35% of the necessary emission reductions by 2050 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C. These solutions span renewable energy generation, emission reductions in shipping, and the restoration of carbon-rich ecosystems. However, funding for such projects remains a significant challenge.
Additionally, the ocean offers avenues for adapting to climate impacts through nature-based solutions, including the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs), as outlined in the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report.
While progress has been made in international cooperation for ocean protection, including the adoption of the first treaty for the high seas and initiatives to protect biodiversity and address plastic pollution, advocates stress the need for increased action and investment in ocean-based climate solutions.
In essence, the ocean stands as a critical ally in the fight against climate change, offering tangible solutions that must be embraced and supported on a global scale to secure a sustainable future.
