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UNFCCC COP 31

The ocean is central to climate stability, and with a growing interest on ocean-based approaches that could complement rapid emissions reductions and adaptation. These range from seaweed-based products for decarbonization to marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) and research on Arctic sea ice preservation and restoration. Each raises shared questions about scientific evidence, governance, community participation, and the capacity needed to evaluate these approaches responsibly. 

The 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31) will take place at the Antalya Expo Center in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. 

At COP31, Ocean Visions is contributing to sessions on scaling seaweed-based products for decarbonization, Arctic tipping points, and how ocean-climate interventions are being evaluated in different national and regional settings. COP31 will also mark the launch of the Africa mCDR Roadmap, led by Dr. Mariam Swaleh, Executive Director of the Ocean–Climate Innovation Hub Kenya and a GEOS Ocean-Climate Innovation Fellow. 

Events co-hosted by Ocean Visions

Event: From Seaweed Products to Climate Impact: What Will It Take to Reach Scale?

Date: Wednesday, 11 November 
Time: 12:45–13:35 
Location: COP31 Ocean Pavilion (Blue Zone)
Organized by: Ocean Visions 

Drawing on Ocean Visions’ Seaweed-Based Products for Decarbonization Road Maps, this lightning talk will identify what is required to produce products capable of credible climate impact at scale, while creating positive outcomes for ocean health and coastal communities. The talk will highlight near-term priorities for the sector, including investments in research, enabling technologies and infrastructure that will reduce the cost of seaweed cultivation. 

Arctic Tipping Points and the Triple Planetary Crisis

Date: Tuesday, 17 November 
Time: 11:00–12:00 
Location: COP31 Finland Pavilion (Blue Zone) 
Organized by: Ocean Visions and Operation Arktis 

The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, and scientists increasingly warn that critical Arctic systems may be approaching thresholds beyond which change could become abrupt, self-reinforcing, and effectively irreversible on human timescales. This event will explore Arctic tipping points through the lens of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, examining how changes in the Arctic and marine systems could affect global climate stability. Speakers working across climate risk, ocean science, biodiversity, and governance will discuss the latest research on tipping points, implications for climate and biodiversity policy, approaches to strengthening resilience and preparedness, and opportunities for global cooperation. 

Ocean-Climate Interventions and Community Experiences: Lessons from Canadian Leadership on Ocean Science and Governance

Date: Tuesday, 17 November 
Time: 15:15–16:00 
Location: COP31 Canada Pavilion (Blue Zone) 
Organized by: Ocean Visions, Carbon to Sea Canada, Operaatio Arktis, and the Ocean Frontier Institute 

Researchers, governments, innovators, Indigenous Peoples, coastal communities, and civil society organizations are examining a broader set of ocean-climate solutions and interventions alongside emissions reductions and adaptation. This panel will focus on marine carbon dioxide removal and Arctic sea ice preservation and restoration research, using Canadian experience as a reference point within a wider international discussion. Speakers will bring perspectives from field research, Indigenous leadership, community co-research, and regional coordination, including lessons from the Africa mCDR Roadmap. The discussion will consider the scientific, institutional, and social conditions needed to assess whether, where, and how research should proceed, including safeguards, monitoring, community participation, and clear decision-making. Ocean-Climate Innovation Fellows at COP31. 

Hear from Ocean-Climate Innovation Fellow Dr. Mariam Swaleh and Ocean-Climate Innovation Senior Fellow María José Urrutia Rivas, who will be on the ground in Antalya. Learn more about the Fellowship program here. 

Dr. Mariam Swaleh 
  • Building Social License and Research Fundamentals to Enable National Action: Unlocking the Potential of Ocean-Based Carbon Removal
    Monday, 16 November | 12:30-13:30 | COP31 Think Negative Pavilion (Blue Zone) 
María José Urrutia Rivas 

To connect with our team at COP31, contact Leonardo Valenzuela Pérez, Senior Director, International Partnerships and Policy.

Related Resources:

Learn more about Ocean Visions’ work on ocean-based climate approaches and the evidence behind them. The resources below cover the current state of knowledge on marine carbon dioxide removal and the principles that guide our research programs. We invite you to explore them before or after COP31.