Ocean Visions at COP29
Advancing Ocean-Climate Solutions on the Global Stage
The ocean is underrepresented in global climate discussions. It has been an afterthought in most international climate negotiations, and largely ignored for its incredible climate buffering services and (directly tied) the existential threats that climate disruption poses to its health.
As a leading organization focused on the ocean-climate nexus, Ocean Visions is participating in COP to broaden the global conversation, and actively position a solutions-oriented agenda for the next generation of ocean conservation. Our agenda and our work is focused on promoting actionable ocean-based pathways to reduce CO2 emissions, remove carbon dioxide pollution, repair and restore critical marine ecosystems, and build a global, diverse community of innovators who can help develop and implement solutions at scale.
We travel to Baku seeking to leverage the convening power of COP29 to:
Reframe the climate narrative to put the ocean front and center:
For too long, ocean health has been treated as a secondary issue. But the ocean’s role in regulating the climate and supporting life on Earth is paramount to our wellbeing. Through our ongoing initiatives, we are reshaping how the world sees the ocean’s role in climate action. COP29 is an opportunity to elevate this message on the global stage and influence the direction of future climate policies.
Drive forward ocean-based solutions:
The ocean has to be a central part of humanity’s work to reduce carbon emissions, remove carbon dioxide pollution, and provide natural resilience to climate impacts. As we move promising ideas forward, COP29 serves as a moment for decision-makers to commit to the policies and investments that can make ocean-based climate solutions a central part of the global response to the climate crisis.
Mobilize diverse sectors:
COP29 presents an important opportunity to engage with a broad cross-section of key actors, from governments and multilateral institutions to the private sector and civil society. We are working through our presence at COP to build bridges across these sectors and forge new partnerships.
Ocean Visions believes that the solutions the ocean offers—whether to reduce CO2 emissions, remove carbon, or restore critical marine ecosystems—are key to achieving the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement. By actively contributing to COP29, we are driving ambition for a future where ocean health is part and parcel of climate stabilization.
We invite you to help us advance this agenda by joining the following events we're hosting and participating in:
Internationalizing mCDR: Collaborative Innovations in Southwestern Africa, the Caspian, and Black Seas
Date: 15 November 2024
Time: 16:30 –17:30 (GMT+4)
Location: Ocean Pavilion
Organizer: Ocean Visions
Join this side event showcasing the global drive to advance marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) through innovative collaborations. Supported by Ocean Visions’ GEOS (UN Ocean Decade programme) we’ll highlight key case studies: Caspian Eco and Brilliant Planet’s work in the Caspian Sea, Rewind’s Black Sea trials, and Kelp Blue’s mCDR and restoration efforts in Namibia. These projects exemplify the power of science-led, cross-border partnerships to scale safe and effective ocean-climate solutions.
Repairing Arctic Sea Ice? Ambition for the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences
Date: 21 November 2024
Time: 10:30 –11:30 (GMT+4)
Location: Canada Pavilion
Organizer: Ocean Visions
This event will explore the critical challenge of slowing Arctic tipping points by restoring critical marine ecosystems affected by climate change. As Arctic sea ice decreases, a number of dangerous tipping points advance, such as northern permafrost and the Greenland ice sheet. This discussion will highlight the potential of science-based interventions to slow these dangerous processes while we bring global temperatures down through mitigation. Participants will learn about innovative approaches from the Ocean Visions’ Arctic Sea Ice Road Map and the role of global governance in enabling responsible research and development in these climate actions that are currently at the boundary of the discussion. Attendees can expect diverse perspectives from experts in marine science, policy, and Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. Through dynamic discussion and Q&A, the event aims to inspire collaboration and global action toward safeguarding the Arctic’s future.
Ocean-based Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR): An Ocean of Climate Solutions
Date: 11 November 2024
Time: 16:30 –17:30 (GMT+4)
Location: Ocean Pavilion
Organizer: Centre for Climate Repair
This side event discusses the increasing scientific, commercial, and political interest in using marine environments to facilitate carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) as a means of supporting climate change mitigation efforts. With the growing investment in commercial Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) markets, interest in mCDR is increasing rapidly. This expert panel will explore the challenges and opportunities for mCDR as well as initiate a discussion on potential roadmaps for its development and research.
Ensuring the Scientific Independence of mCDR Research in the Shadow of the Private Investment
Date: 14 November 2024
Time: 13:30 – 14:30 (GMT+4)
Location: Ocean Pavilion
Organizer: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Scientific research into marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) must maintain independence from biases if the results are to be accepted by the scientific community and the wider court of public opinion. With the need for substantial and sustained funding to conduct the necessary research into mCDR, both the actors involved and the source of funds will be intensely scrutinized. This session will discuss the forms of support available to mCDR research so that it can reach ethical and independent conclusions, and how and when private investment into the mCDR arena may be deemed scientifically and socially acceptable.
Beyond Emissions Reduction
Date:14 November 2024
Time: 16:00 – 16:30 (GMT+4)
Location: Area C, Press Room 2
The panel will discuss climate repair and the need for urgent research in Greenhouse Gas Removal and Climate Engineering.
The GlobalONCE: Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions for Keeping the 1.5°C Warming Within Reach
Date: 16 November 2024
Time: 13:30 – 14:30 (GMT+4)
Location: Ocean Pavillion
Organizer: Global Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions (ONCE) Programme
Three COPs, One Ocean (Official UNFCCC Side Event)
Date: 20 November 2024
Time: 18:30-20:00 (GMT+4)
Location: Side Event 5 Room
Earth’s life, water, and climate connect through and rely on a healthy ocean. Better understanding of the ocean’s physical, chemical, and biological systems is central to coordinated progress of all SDGs, as well as the goals of the Rio Conventions on Climate, Biodiversity, and Desertification.
