The Ocean Can Play a Much Larger Role in Fighting Climate Change

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. The last 11 years have been the hottest on record, negatively affecting health, economies and ecosystems.

But one of the most promising areas for climate action has been largely overlooked and underinvested: the ocean.

Research commissioned by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy found that ocean-based climate solutions can deliver over a third of the annual emissions cuts needed in 2050 to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F), a globally agreed target to avert the worst outcomes from climate change.

These solutions, such as offshore renewables and restoring mangroves and other “blue carbon” ecosystems, are ready to implement and economically viable today. Data shows that investing $1 in key ocean actions can yield at least $5 in global benefits, often more, over the next 30 years. They can also produce multiple co-benefits including job creation, habitat protection, food security and others.