Taking Ocean-Climate Action
Our ocean holds several solutions to address the twin crises of biodiversity and climate change. To unlock this potential, a ‘climate-smart’ approach to the ocean is increasingly vital. The UN Global Compact has developed key recommendations for businesses and governments to leverage ocean-based climate solutions, particularly in four action areas; zero-emission maritime transport, low-carbon blue food, harnessing offshore renewable energy and nature-based solutions (focusing on seaweed).
The Blueprint for a Climate-Smart Ocean to Meet 1.5°C puts forward six key steps to unlock a climate-smart ocean to meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C temperature goal. Overarching enablers across all ocean-based solutions are also outlined in the blueprint, including the need to ensure a ‘just transition’ for all as a fundamental precondition for a successful transformation to a zero-carbon ocean economy
In addition to this holistic overview, specific briefs have also been developed; Charting a 1.5°C Trajectory for Maritime Transport, the Seaweed as a Nature-Based Climate Solution Vision Statement and the Roadmap To Integrate Clean Offshore Renewable Energy Into Climate-Smart Marine Spatial Planning.
Oceans Profiles
The world’s oceans play a critical and unique role in addressing the twin crises of biodiversity and climate change that threaten our very existence. Research shows ocean mitigation solutions could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions gap by as much as one-fifth as we seek a path to limiting global temperatures to a 1.5° C increase by 2050.
But the oceans are in urgent need of protection and restoration. Covering some 70% of the earth’s surface, oceans are threatened by rising temperatures, acidification, extraction and depletion of resources and pollution in many forms.
Businesses around the world share the responsibility to protect and support ocean quality and health. The Ocean Stewardship Coalition celebrates leaders and members of the private sector who are taking up this challenge. Here are some of their profiles.