UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Turkey to Prioritize Ocean-Based Climate Action
The upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, is poised to significantly elevate the role of oceans in the global climate agenda. Following last year's conference in Belém, Brazil, which focused on forests, COP31 aims to center ocean-based climate action. Over 100 countries have already signed a letter advocating for the ocean to be recognized as a core component of the Paris climate agreement. This initiative seeks to integrate ocean considerations into discussions on emission reduction, resilience building, and climate finance. Furthermore, the latest ocean science is expected to inform the next global stocktake, introducing accountability for ocean-related commitments that countries will be required to report on. The conference will also encourage countries with coastlines to join the Blue NDC Challenge, committing to ocean-based solutions for national climate goals, including greening ports, shipping, and developing offshore renewables. A critical aspect will be addressing the f...
