UNESCO Leads Charge: Over a Billion Dollars Mobilized for Ocean Protection

Introduction

The latest "State of the Ocean Report" presents a stark warning about the accelerating pace of ocean warming, revealing that the rate of ocean temperature increase has doubled over the past two decades. This significant rise in ocean temperatures is having profound impacts on global sea levels and marine ecosystems. While efforts under the Paris Agreements aim to limit global warming, ocean temperatures have already seen substantial increases, posing serious challenges to both marine life and coastal communities.

Highlights

Accelerated Ocean Warming:

• The ocean is now warming at twice the rate it was twenty years ago.
• 2023 recorded one of the highest increases in ocean temperatures since the 1950s.
• Ocean temperatures have already increased by an average of 1.45°C, with some hotspots exceeding 2°C in the Mediterranean, Tropical Atlantic Ocean, and Southern Oceans.

Rising Sea Levels:

• The ocean absorbs 90% of excess atmospheric heat, leading to thermal expansion and rising sea levels.
• Warming once an temperatures account for 40% of the global rise in sea levels.
• The rate of sea level rise has doubled over the past 30 years, amounting to a total increase of 9cm.

Declining Oxygen Levels:

• Since the 1960s, the ocean has lost 2% of its oxygen due to rising temperatures and pollutants.
• Approximately 500 “dead zones” have been identified, where oxygen levels are so low that marine life cannot survive.

Increasing Ocean Acidity:

• The ocean absorbs 25-30% of fossil fuel emissions, leading to increased acidity.
• Ocean acidity has risen by 30% since pre-industrial times and is projected to reach 170% by 2100.
• Coastal species are particularly affected, experiencing dramatic fluctuations in acidity levels, resulting in mass die-offs.

Blue Carbon Ecosystems:

• Marine forests like mangroves, seagrass plains, and tidal marshes absorb up to five times more carbon than terrestrial forests.
• Despite their importance, nearly 60% of countries do not include marine forest conservation in their climate action plans.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):

• MPAs protect 72% of the 1,500 endangered marine species on the IUCN Red List.
• Higher levels of regulation within MPAs lead to more effective protection of local ecosystems.

UNESCO's Role:

• UNESCO leads the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
• Over 500 projects have been launched, and more than a billion dollars have been mobilized to improve ocean knowledge and protection.
• UNESCO supports numerous scientific cooperation programs and manages over 230 marine biosphere reserves and more than 50 marine World Heritage sites.

Conclusion

The alarming acceleration of ocean warming and its associated impacts on sea levels, oxygen levels, and ocean acidity underscore the urgent need for global action. While there are beacons of hope in the form of blue carbon ecosystems and marine protected areas, the challenges are immense. UNESCO's efforts in leading scientific initiatives and promoting international cooperation are crucial in addressing these issues. However, comprehensive and immediate actions from all nations are essential to mitigate these changes and protect our oceans for future generations.