The ocean has greatly slowed the rate of climate change, but at a cost: the ocean has warmed, acidified and lost oxygen. Circulation patterns are changing, and sea levels are rising. The persistence of these deviations threaten marine ecosystems and the future ability of the ocean to support life on Earth. Encouragingly, the ocean offers a range of mitigation and adaptation opportunities for nations to combat climate change, increase ambition on emissions reduction, and ensure that the ocean can be developed sustainably. These efforts will be key to ensure the many benefits the ocean provides to people around the world can endure indefinitely.
The ocean and climate are intrinsically linked; one cannot function without the other. Despite this indisputable fact, the ocean has lacked any real seat at the table under the UNFCCC climate negotiations. Without this essential piece of the puzzle, climate ambition will be hindered, and the ocean crisis will worsen. Moreover, much of the global ocean flows in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), and therefore has no clear representative among international negotiations. In order to give the ocean a voice, it needs a prominent presence at the climate negotiations in its own right. As an entity that covers 72% of the world’s surface and over 90% of the living space on the planet, it only makes sense for the ocean to have a pavilion of its own. A dedicated Ocean Pavilion raises the visibility of the ocean and showcases why the ocean should be at the center of climate negotiations, as it is central to all life on our planet.
Following the Ocean for Climate Declaration and the introduction of the Ocean and Climate Dialogue at COP26, there has been a growing recognition of the intangible links between the ocean, climate, and biodiversity and the need to address them jointly in international climate and biodiversity processes. This clear need has been the impetus behind the Virtual Ocean Pavilion, which has continued to raise the profile of the ocean among members of the ocean and climate community since its inception at COP26.
As the ocean concerns everyone, the Virtual Ocean Pavilion has the capability of engaging and reaching those that cannot attend COP29 in-person and presents a long-lasting resource for all – leaving no one behind. A virtual presence during COP29 will ensure that the Pavilion will be:
Enjoy unique access to COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion live events with high level speakers, youth voices, UN representatives, and ocean and climate experts.
Visit ocean exhibition booths without having to walk, sail, or swim anywhere! Leading ocean and climate organizations will share their activities and provide access to a wealth of information you can 'take away' in your virtual delegate bag.
Promote other ocean events in and around COP29 through the Ocean Events Tracker! Information gathered through the tracker will be incorporated into a calendar of ocean events accessible through the Virtual Ocean Pavilion.
Dive in and out of a range of COP29 events, interviews, and films at your convenience.
Explore a collection of ocean music, art, games, and climate stories from around the world. Be sure to check out the Treasure Trove daily for exciting updates and the latest COP29 news!
Fancy a deeper dive into COP29? Choose from a selection of interviews with Party negotiators and key stakeholders to gain a better insight on COP29 and the surrounding events and activities.
Connect with ocean and climate enthusiasts from around the world through the Virtual Ocean Pavilion chat. Converse with peers and experts alike to learn more about ongoing ocean and climate issues and develop collaborative solutions that promote effective conservation and sustainable use of our shared blue planet.
Photo credit: Yugraj Yadava