By 2050, a healthy and productive Ocean has delivered up to 35 percent GHG emissions reductions and contributed to a resilient, nature-positive and net zero world
Concrete pathways to deliver on Nature and Climate goals Creating an Ambition Loop for Ocean-based Climate Solutions
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The ocean community, united under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action on Ocean & Coastal Zones, has designed a set of ocean pathways to drive the transition towards a net zero world, and further anchor the ocean in climate and biodiversity negotiations. This set of pathways – known as the “Ocean Breakthroughs” – shall be understood as tipping points to be reached by 2030, in order to deliver on the 2050 vision of the ocean designed by the Ocean for Climate Declaration.
To catalyze action, the Ocean Breakthroughs dive into 5 sectors: (1) marine conservation, (2) ocean renewable energy, (3) ocean-based transport, (4) aquatic food, and (5) coastal tourism, aiming to deliver on a fair, nature-positive and net zero future. The effective deployment of this vision relies on the cumulative action and close collaboration of stakeholders across sectors, a cross-cutting approach and key enablers (i.e., Science, Finance, Governance, and Inclusivity) to define objectives and quantifiable targets.
The Ocean Breakthroughs seek to support multilateral efforts, such as of the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals, and contribute to the achievement of existing global targets, including the “30×30” (i.e., at least 30 percent of marine and coastal areas effectively conserved and managed by 2030). Launched ahead of COP28, the Ocean Breakthrough aims at feeding into the conclusions of the Global Stocktake, and ultimately to inspire ocean-climate action for the coming years.
The Global Stocktake
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Convinced that strong leadership from Non-State Actors (NSAs) can positively influence governments and drive more ambitious public policies, the Ocean Breakthroughs are rooted in what is called the “Blue Ambition Loop” – a positive feedback loop in support of increasingly ambitious action.
To capture the state of NSAs action, the World Resources Institute, the UN Climate Change High-level Champions, the Ocean & Climate Platform, the Global Ocean Trust and the UN Global Compact, undertook in 2022 a mapping exercise to track, aggregate and visualise progress made by non-state actors towards ocean-based climate actions. The ‘Blue Ambition Loop: Achieving Ambitious 2030 Ocean-Climate Action’ report is a short visual summary of findings. The Ocean Breakthroughs focus on the same five key sectors (i.e. marine conservation, shipping, aquatic food, ocean renewable energy and coastal tourism).
While processes such as the Global Stocktake are in place to track government-led progress on ocean-climate actions. There is also a lack of data-based tools to measure non-state actors’ actions on ocean-climate actions and track their progress over time.
However, for NSAs to achieve the Ocean Breakthroughs, Sharm El Sheikh Adaptation Agenda and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework, the Blue Ambition Loop needs to be activated.
Blue Ambition Loop ReportCatalyzing increased momentum for ocean-based climate action
The vast expanse of our oceans, from its mysterious abysses to its vibrant coasts, holds secrets yet to be unveiled. But one thing is certain: its indispensable role in making Earth a livable haven.
From the abysses to the coasts, much of the ocean, and the many wonders it holds, remain unexplored. Yet, its significance in sustaining life on our planet is undeniable. As a pivotal component of the global climate system, the ocean not only supports efforts to limit temperature rise but also bolsters resilience against climate impacts. Recent research led by the High-Level Panel on Ocean Sustainability indicates that full implementation of ocean-based climate solutions could reduce the “emissions gap” by up to 35 percent in 2050.
A myriad of initiatives from states, civil society organizations and the private sector have recently emerged, emphasizing the ocean’s role in climate dynamics and advocating for its inclusion in climate negotiations. These initiatives, including the Ocean for Climate Declaration, the Rise Up – Blue Call to Action or the Ocean Panel Call to action, have contributed to the recognition of the ocean as a reservoir of untapped solutions and innovation. The challenge now lies in translating these declarations into tangible actions.
With over 70 percent of new or updated Nationally Determined Contributions incorporating at least one ocean-based climate measure, the momentum is undeniable. As NSAs commit to even more ambitious ocean efforts, the call for all stakeholders to “swim the talk” becomes louder. As we approach COP28 and the culmination of the first Global Stocktake, it is now imperative to reflect on the past five years and chart out a blue “ambition loop” to accelerate the implementation of ocean-based solutions.
Dive in with us, be part of the Ocean Breakthrough, and let’s turn the tide together. As we harness the ocean’s potential, we inch closer to fulfilling the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Marine Conservation
By 2030, investments of at least $72 billion secure the integrity of ocean ecosystems by protecting, restoring, and conserving at least 30% of the ocean for the benefit of people, climate, and nature.
The protection, conservation and/or restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems (especially those known as blue carbon ecosystems – i.e. mangroves, seagrasses and saltmarshes) can contribute to achieving the long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement.
Marine conservation is a key sector to advance and scale-up ocean-based climate action. Incredibly diverse – from coral reefs, mangroves, saltmarshes to kelp forests and much more, marine and coastal ecosystems have a natural capacity for carbon storage and sequestration and hold great potential to deliver numerous co-benefits for people and Nature. These ecosystems are essential to food security and act as natural buffers against coastal erosion and the impacts of extreme weather events. Protecting, conserving, and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems is therefore critical to support the resilience and adaptation of coastal communities, and to deliver on global goals on Nature and Climate. These ecosystems, along with reefs, play a key role in strengthening coastal resilience through preventing coastal erosion, limiting storm surge and supporting local water quality, biodiversity and food security for local communities. As such, projects or initiatives aimed at the protection, conservation and/or restoration of these ecosystems also contribute directly to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including food security (SDG 2) and decent work (SDG 8).
Shipping
By 2030, zero emission fuels make up 5% of international shipping’s energy demand. 450,000 seafarers need to be retrained and upskilled. At least 30% of global trade needs to move through climate-adapting ports.
Shipping transports around 90 percent of global trade and accounts for 3 percent of global GHG emissions, as the industry still massively relies on fossil fuels. The global shipping industry must therefore undergo major transformations and move forward with decarbonisation to align with the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. Technology will have an important role to play in this crucial transition, especially to support the development of zero-emissions vessels and fuels. The creation of green corridors and resilient coastal infrastructures and ports are also crucial elements to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the resilience of the shipping industry overall.
In addition to transitioning towards a zero emission trajectory, actors of the sector must take action to reduce its impacts on nature and develop biodiversity-positive strategies. Indeed, shipping has major impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystems as a source of noise pollution, a vector for non-indigenous and invasive species, and through collision with marine life and habitats. Assessing, reducing, and avoiding these negative impacts is a prerequisite for a nature-positive future of the sector.
Ocean Renewable Energy
By 2030, install at least 380 GW of offshore capacity while establishing targets and enabling measures for net-positive biodiversity outcomes and advocate for mobilizing $10bn in concessional finance for developing economies to reach that goal.
The global energy landscape is transforming, driven by the urgent need to tackle climate change and transition towards a net zero future. As we strive to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change, the marine renewable energy sector is a promising pathway to deliver on both the goals of the Paris Agreement and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while being supportive of an inclusive and just energy transition.
As the most mature ocean-based energy technologies, offshore wind offers a critical opportunity to unite global action on the Climate and Nature Agendas. As a key climate mitigation measure, its accelerated and large-scale development would support the urgent need to halt biodiversity loss, driven to a large extent by climate change. In addition, important efforts are underway to assess and understand how to minimise and avoid potential negative effects of the industry on marine biodiversity, while being able to deliver at the pace required.
Aquatic Food
By 2030, provide at least $4bn per year to support resilient aquatic food systems that will contribute to healthy, regenerative ecosystems, and sustain the food and nutrition security for three billion people.
Aquatic food is an important part of the world’s diet: 17 percent of the population relies on it for their protein intake, and demand is rising. By 2027, the global market for seafood is projected to reach $199bn. The production of “blue food” – derived from aquatic animals, plants or algae – is deeply dependent on healthy marine and coastal ecosystems. Yet, climate-induced changes in the ocean such as acidification or warmer water temperatures, practices such as unsustainable fishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and pollution, are deeply affecting marine ecosystems and life, and the distribution and abundance of fish stocks. The resilience and future of many coastal communities, whose food security and livelihoods greatly depend on those resources, are also in jeopardy.
It is therefore critical for the sector to rethink its model and transition towards a biodiversity-positive and net zero future, and a sustainable management of natural resources, while adapting to changing environmental conditions.Numerous opportunities to achieve this transition along the value and supply chains of aquatic food production. Sustainable and climate-adaptive fisheries and aquaculture will be crucial for the resilience of the sector and its ability to provide healthy and sustainable products to the world’s growing demand.
Coastal Tourism
By 2030, $30 billion per year are invested to support halving emissions of coastal tourism; and additional investments are made to build the resilience of local communities, as well as to recover and protect ecosystems to sustainably manage tourism in island and coastal destinations most vulnerable to climate change.
Travel and tourism contribute roughly 10% of global GDP, employ one out of every five people, and account for about 8% of global GHG emissions. Coastal tourism is one of the fastest-growing ocean economy sectors, making up about 50% of the travel and tourism sector. However, its growth is highly dependent on natural coastal and marine environments, making the sustainable management, including conservation and restoration, of these areas critical for climate-resilient and sustainable tourism development to preserve their valuable ecosystem services to tourism and residents.
By prioritizing actions that leverage tourism for conservation, we need to consider the impact of tourism on coastal communities, invest in resilient workforces, develop and manage infrastructure sustainably, manage visitation, encourage cultural exchanges, and bridge the digital divide so coastal and island destinations can better support mitigation and adaptation efforts. These actions will help to ensure that coastal tourism’s benefits in communities and destinations are sustainable and resilient to the impacts of climate change.
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READ MOREThe Ocean Breakthroughs are supported by the following organizations in their respective fields
