COP31 urged to adopt ocean protection roadmap amid record marine heat

Record ocean temperatures are threatening marine ecosystems and weakening the world’s largest carbon sink, prompting a coalition of countries to push for stronger ocean protection commitments at the upcoming UN COP31 climate summit in 2026. Led by African nations, the European Union, select Latin American countries, and small island states, the group is advocating for ocean conservation measures to be included in formal negotiation outcomes rather than remaining confined to informal discussions. COP31 co-presidents Türkiye and Australia have responded by developing a voluntary ocean roadmap, a concise action plan aimed at integrating ocean and climate strategies at regional and global levels.

The urgency of these efforts is underscored by unprecedented marine heat. July 2024 marked the warmest ocean temperatures on record, according to data from both the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This record-breaking heat, compounded by a projected strong El Niño, has intensified marine heatwaves, particularly in regions like the Mediterranean, where temperature spikes of up to 6°C have been observed. Scientists warn of severe impacts on marine life, including mass die-offs of corals, sponges, and macro-algae—organisms highly sensitive to even minor temperature increases.

More than 150 leading scientists have urged COP31’s Turkish and Australian presidencies to prioritize ocean protection in all negotiation tracks—mitigation, adaptation, and finance—and to secure clear political commitments and dedicated funding at the World Leaders Summit during COP31. Their call reflects growing recognition of the ocean’s role in climate regulation and the need to address its vulnerability.

While ocean-based climate targets have gained traction—90% of national climate plans submitted in 2024 include at least one ocean-related commitment, up from 62% in 2015—implementation remains a major hurdle. A June report by the World Resources Institute (WRI) highlights persistent challenges, including limited finance, governance gaps, and a lack of binding mechanisms. Most existing targets focus on marine protected areas, with fewer commitments addressing emissions from maritime activities such as shipping or offshore energy production.

The Ocean and Climate Dialogue, established after COP26 in Glasgow, has provided a flexible forum for countries to discuss ocean-climate linkages, but its informal nature has limited its influence on formal negotiations. This year’s dialogue, co-chaired by Fiji and Belgium, saw pushback from fossil fuel-dependent nations when calls were made to phase out fossil fuels—a proposal not included in the final outcome.

Regional blocs are now calling for a structured, multi-year roadmap to guide future ocean-climate discussions and align them with the Global Stocktake process, which assesses global climate progress every five years, culminating at COP33 in 2028. The African Group of Negotiators and the EU have supported this roadmap proposal, while Pacific island states and some Latin American countries favor incorporating dialogue outcomes directly into negotiations.

Türkiye, as COP31’s incoming presidency, has signaled strong commitment to ocean issues through its “Blue COP31” roadmap, set for discussion at a ministerial meeting in September. The initiative aims to position oceans as central to climate resilience and sustainable development for coastal communities worldwide.

However, African diplomats caution that translating commitments into action remains the biggest obstacle. Nearly half of all ocean-related pledges in national climate plans are contingent on external support, they note. “Ambition without implementation is an illusion,” their submission states, emphasizing the need for predictable and accessible climate finance to deliver on ocean promises.

As COP31 approaches, the intersection of record marine heat, fragile ecosystems, and financial constraints is reshaping the debate on ocean governance. Whether the summit can deliver tangible, finance-backed outcomes to protect the ocean—a vital ally in the climate crisis—will be a defining test.

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