The ocean has greatly slowed the rate of climate change, but at a cost: the ocean has warmed, acidified and lost oxygen, whilst circulation patterns are changing, and sea levels are rising. The continuation of these changes not only threatens marine ecosystems, but also the future ability of the ocean to support life on Earth. Despite this, the ocean offers a range of key mitigation and adaptation opportunities for nations to combat climate change and increase ambition on emissions reduction and to ensure that the ocean can be developed sustainably for the benefits it provides to people around the world.
The ocean and climate are intrinsically linked, one cannot function without the other, and yet 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. Furthermore, since the majority of the global ocean has no “owners” (and therefore no representative or voice of its own like nations) but covers 72% of the world’s surface and over 90% of the living space on the planet, then it should have a pavilion all of its own and thus make that point that it is central to life on Earth. In order to give it a voice, it needs a prominent presence at the climate negotiations in its own right
A dedicated Ocean Pavilion would raise the visibility of the ocean and showcase why the ocean matters in climate negotiations and to all life on our planet – not surprisingly the ocean transcends across all the COP28 Presidency themes in a unified way like no other topic, from finance to energy to nature, land, resilience, industry, transport, to cities and science and innovation.
Join live events Enjoy unique access to 9 ocean-related live events during COP28 with high level speakers, UN representatives, ocean and climate experts, government delegations, youth and other civil society leaders. Wish to branch out? From the VOP lobby you will find a link to an overview of ocean-related events which provides information about joining other live ocean events happening at COP28.
Explore our exhibition booths Visit 12 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 - as much or little as you like!
Access on-demand events/videos Dive in and out of a range of COP28 and other events, interviews and films at your convenience from 22 November 2023 through 12 January 2024. on-demand post-event hosting available for one month after the event closing.
Discover the Treasure Trove Explore a collection of ocean music, art, games, climate stories from around the world, plus interviews and events.
Watch interviews Fancy a deeper dive into COP28? Choose from a selection of interviews with Party negotiators and key stakeholders and gain a better insight on COP28, the discussion process and status.
Engage with experts Meet with ocean and climate experts who will answer your questions, share their latest activities on ocean issues, and who would love to hear about your ocean interests.
Photo Credit: Tracey Jennings, Ocean Image Bank