Why the ocean matters

Climate change results in warmer oceans, rising sea levels, and increased acidification. These changes impact marine species' distribution and threaten coastal communities around the world.

Excessive fishing harms marine ecosystems and drains fish stocks. This puts food security at risk for billions who rely on seafood, especially in coastal areas.

Each year, millions of tons of plastic pollute our oceans. This harms marine life, as they ingest plastic or get entangled in it. It also affects human health and economies that depend on clean oceans.

More ships on the water create pollution, noise, and crashes with sea creatures. These issues upset ecosystems and worsen ocean health.

Activities such as coastal development and bottom trawling damage crucial marine habitats. This destruction lowers biodiversity. It also weakens the ocean's ability to handle environmental changes.

Higher CO₂ absorption reduces ocean pH. This makes it hard for marine life such as corals and shellfish to form shells. As a result, disruptions occur in food webs and economies.

Rising sea temperatures make corals expel the algae they depend on. This causes coral bleaching and higher death rates. As a result, marine biodiversity suffers, and millions of people worldwide face threats to their livelihoods.

Poor ocean governance makes it hard to manage marine resources well. This results in overexploitation and harm to the environment.

Rising sea levels and poor coastal management speed up erosion. This threatens habitats, infrastructure, and economies in both developed and developing areas.

IUU fishing hurts sustainable fisheries and endangers marine ecosystems. It also threatens the livelihoods of fishing communities, especially in the Global South.