Steven Jones on the urgent need for the oceans to be embraced during the upcoming COP28.
As global leaders ready themselves for the forthcoming United Nations (UN) climate conference in Dubai, the urgency to prioritise both the climate challenges and potential contributions of our oceans is intensifying.
Despite covering over two-thirds of the planet and absorbing significant amounts of greenhouse gases and heat, definitive policies and financing for ocean-based initiatives remain lacking. However, ahead of COP28, a growing consensus is placing oceans at the heart of climate action, emphasising the requirement for tangible commitment, financial support, and official mandates to harness the ocean’s vast potential in aiding the achievement of Paris Agreement goals.