Secretary-General Antnio Guerres stated that the planet is facing the triple crises climate disruption, biodiversity loss, pollution. One Ocean SummitFriday warning: The ocean bears much of the burden
Because the ocean serves as a giant carbon- and heat sink, it is becoming warmer and more acidic, which causes its ecosystems and other ecosystems to suffer.
In his video, the UN chief stated that polar glaciers are melting and that global weather patterns were changing. messageThis conference is taking place in Brest, a French coastal city.
Ripple effect
He added that the ocean’s ecosystems are also in trouble: More than three-billion people depend on coastal and marine biodiversity for their livelihoods.
He painted a grim portrait of declining marine species, dying coral Reefs, and coastal ecosystems being turned into vast dead zones by sewage.
Fish stocks are also being threatened by over- and destructive fishing practices as well as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
The Secretary-General stressed that we must change our tack.
Respecting the law
It’s been 40 years since The Signing of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Mr. Guterres stressed the importance of legal certainty in oceans.
He maintained that the second UN Ocean ConferenceThis year’s, which will be held from 27 June to 1 Jul in Lisbon, is an opportunity for the ocean to cement its role in global efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implement the Paris AgreementClimate Change
Blue economy
The UN chief stressed the need to intensify efforts to protect the ocean. He stated that a sustainable blue economy could drive economic progress, job creation, and climate protection, while also ensuring that the ocean is protected.
We need more, and more effective partnerships, to address land-based sources of marine pollutionurgency in the deployment of offshore renewable energy, which can provide clean power and employment, and[less]He said that fossil fuels are important for the ocean economy.
Mr. Guterres welcomed encouraging steps taken by some countries, including France, to end single-use plastics and urged others to follow suit.
Solutions that are based on the natural world
He stated that almost three percent of global greenhouse gases are caused by shipping. Nearly 90 per cent world trade is transported by sea.
The UN chief stated that the shipping sector must contribute to the required 45 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050 in order to preserve our hopes of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
It is crucial that we make progress in adapting and resiliing for coastal communities whose homes, livelihoods and lives are at stake.
He said that we must take advantage of the nature-based solutions such as mangroves or seagrasses.
Viable ocean economy
The Secretary-General stressed the need for international partnerships and investment to promote a sustainable ocean economy. He also highlighted the importance of increased support for ocean science and research so that our actions are based upon knowledge and understanding.
He said that too much of the world remains unexplored, unobserved, and unmapped.
All over the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable DevelopmentGuterres encouraged concerned citizens all over the world to keep their collective promise of a healthy, blue planet for future generations.