Monday 11 – Friday 22 November 2024
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
PML ocean and climate experts will be playing active parts in the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), in Azerbaijan from 11- 22 November 2024.
With global temperatures hitting record highs, and extreme weather events affecting people around the globe, COP29 will bring together leaders from governments, business and civil society to advance concrete solutions to the defining issue of our time.
A key focus of COP29 will be on finance, with funds required for countries to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change.
The conference will also be a key moment for countries to present their updated national climate action plans under the Paris agreement, which are due by early 2025, these plans will look to limit global warming and double as investment plans advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
PML experts have attended each COP since 2009 and over the years their work and that of the wider ocean community has seen Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recognising the importance of protecting the ocean and its ecosystems in the Convention and Paris Agreement. This includes the establishment of a mandated Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue in which this year PML expert Professor Matt Frost was a Break Out Group Moderator and Thecla Keizer a participant.
To increase the visibility of the ocean at the COPs and to make ocean events more accessible the team was a co-founder of the 1st Virtual Ocean Pavilion at COP26 and a founding partner of the 1st Ocean Pavilion at COP27. At COP29 PML experts will continue to play active roles highlighting the enormous role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth, the consequences of a high CO2 world for the ocean and society and options for action. You can find more information about the planned events and activities below, including the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion (accessible until 22/12/2024).
For any questions please contact PML’s COP29 coordinator Thecla Keizer, tke@pml.ac.uk
Date | Title | PML Speaker/Role | Time (AZT, UTC+4) | Location and links |
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6 November | COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Preview Event: From EEZs to the High Seas: Leveraging the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus in accelerating the implementation of ocean-climate action. Click here for the flyer. | Thecla Keizer (Speaker and Co-organizer) | 13:00-14:30 AZT | Click here to access the recording on YouTube
Click here to access the recording via the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion platform (until 22/12/2024)
Link to further information about the East Asian Seas Congress |
11 November | High-level Opening Event: Managing and conserving our ocean together through transformative ocean-climate-biodiversity solutions
This event focuses on collaborative approaches used to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean and its resources, such as mobilizing finance, harnessing diverse forms of cooperation at various levels, and leveraging ocean-climate-biodiversity interlinkages. It aims to identify key messages for wide-ranging stakeholders and priority strategies for promoting integrated approaches to ocean governance in the context of climate change and relevant governance frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), SDG14 and related SDGs. This event features leaders from various ocean sectors working on collaborative approaches to drive initiatives and innovation to protect the ocean and catalyze the development of sustainable ocean solutions.
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Prof. Matt Frost (Moderator), Plymouth Marine Laboratory an event partner | 18:00-19:30 AZT | Click here to access the recording on YouTube
Click here to access the recording via the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion platform (until 22/12/2024)
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14 November | OCEAN-CLIMATE-SOCIETY: Multisector approach for mitigation, adaptation, finance & capacity building (click here for the programme)
Ocean ecosystems & coastal communities are being impacted by climate change, but the ocean also offers adaptation & mitigation actions. We will show examples of adaptation, governance and finance framework opportunities, incl. the global south, collaboration and ocean integration in the UNFCCC.
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Prof. Matt Frost (Moderator and Co-organizer), Thecla Keizer (Co-organizer) | 18:30-20:00 AZT | Side event Room 9 and online through the COP29 App (requires COP29 accreditation)
The recording will be available from latest 15/12/2024 at the UNFCCC YouTube channel (click here to access) |
15 November | Adaptation to a rapidly changing ocean: opportunities for timely, effective and equitable solutions at the local & regional scale. Click here for the event programme
There is an urgent need for tools in support of adapting to the impacts of a rapidly changing ocean as a consequence of climate change. It is important that technical and scientific solutions are able to be applied in appropriate timeframes to meet this urgency and also that they are appropriate for contexts where resources are limited in terms of finance and / or infrastructure (e.g. Developing and Least Developed Countries, many of whom are Commonwealth Partners). It is therefore imperative to prioritise the development and mobilisation of appropriate tools that can be rolled out quickly and efficiently at a global scale in a way that promotes equitability and inclusivity. An expert panel including high-level government representatives, the Commonwealth Secretariat, research and conservation as well as finance and investment sectors, will identify the requirements, opportunities and possible barriers for implementing equitable and accessible ocean adaption solutions, specifically for countries with minimal financial resource and high levels of marine biodiversity. |
Prof. Matt Frost (Moderator and Co-organizer) | 10:00-11:00 AZT | Commonwealth Pavilion, Zone E, G32b, Blue Zone; no livestreaming available |
15 November | Polar Oceans: the Triple Threat of Acidification, Warming and Freshening Click here for the event programme
The Arctic and Southern Oceans are crucial components of the Earth system. Their unique ecosystems are under serious threat from warming, acidification, freshening and ice loss. Polar oceans already experience changes in chemistry, and continued warming is leading to range shifts, changes in food webs, ecosystems, fisheries, and climate regulation. This session highlights the latest scientific and discusses the wider societal and political impacts, while emphasizing the need to raise ambition for reducing emissions. You can access further details on the related ‘State of the Cryosphere Report 2024’ released during COP29 and with contributions by PML’s Professor Helen Findlay by clicking here.
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Prof. Matt Frost (Moderator), Prof. Helen Findlay (Panelist), Thecla Keizer (Co-organizer) | 11:30-13:00 AZT | Cryosphere Pavilion, Blue Zone |
16 November | Ocean Panel Brazil – Ocean-Climate Nexus and Society
Oceans play a critical role in climate change and provide essential opportunities for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This panel will discuss ocean adaptation and mitigation actions using a multi-stakeholder approach, including cooperation across governance structures and conventions (Prof. Matt Frost & Dr Ana Paula Prates), action-oriented global scientific collaboration (WCRP-TBA), and a circular blue economy (Pedro Prata & Carolina Fávero), to enhance sustainable development based on principles of justice and equity. |
Prof. Matt Frost (Panelist) | 11:15-12:15 AZT | Brazil Pavilion, Blue Zone; no livestreaming available |
18 November | Climate-Ocean Change and Food Security: Exploring Adequate Mitigation, Adaptation and Financing invitation only roundtable
Focusing on emergent ocean acidification science and research taking shape globally and across specific ocean basins; reports and policy briefs examining the relationship between blue food/ marine food and climate policies and the relevance to the adaptation and financing policy landscape at UNFCCC. Participants will discuss:
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Thecla Keizer | 10:00 – 11:30 | Action on Food Hub, Blue Zone, no recording available |
18 November | Meet with – Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) representatives Amy Kenworthy, UN Ocean Decade Ocean Acidification Research for Sustainability Programme Project Officer, and Dr Dhritiraj Sengupta, Physical Geographer and Earth Observation Scientist, on the PML exhibition booth as part of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion | Amy Kenworthy
and
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Click here to visit the PML exhibition booth on the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion platform (open until 22/12/2024) | |
19 November | Blue economy towards sustainable development in the Islamic World and Arab Countries Click here for the programme
This event will explore blue economy challenges, and provide examples of innovative solutions underway via the Ocean Decade. It will explore the conditions of success and pathways to the future of countries economy.
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Prof. Matt Frost (Panelist) | 14:00-15:00 AZT | Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Pavilion, Blue Zone
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19 November | Debating marine Carbon Dioxide Removal: Balancing Challenges, Risks, and Future Needs Click here for the event flyer
The world is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Interest in marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) technologies, which aim to enhance ocean’s uptake and storage of carbon, is growing. Yet, concerns arise about their efficiency and potential impacts on nature and people. This event will bring together leading scientists and experts to engage in a meaningful dialogue on this critical issue. Closing remarks will be provided by Dr Melanie Jans-Singh from the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero.
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Prof. Helen Findlay (Panelist), Plymouth Marine Laboratory is an event partner | 15:00-16:00 AZT | Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone; click here to access the YouTube channel where the recording will be made available |
19 November | Bridging ocean and freshwater challenges through collective science, industry and policy action Click here for the programme
Join ocean & freshwater communities coming together to discuss & identify collaboration opportunities across science, policy & practice for healthy ecosystems & decisive climate action. High-level speakers & experts will identify opportunities to breakdown silos across research, policy & finance, plus highlight how different stakeholders working on water & ocean issues (public & private sector, research/academia & CSOs) can act as catalysts for dynamic partnerships between the two communities. |
Prof. Matt Frost (Panelist), Thecla Keizer (Co-organizer) | 16:30-17:30 | Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone; click here to access the YouTube channel where the recording will be made available |
20 November | Response to Climate Change: The Special Case of Small Island UK Overseas Territories – Finance for Innovation and Research
The UK has a collection of small island Overseas Territories spread across the Caribbean, Atlantic, Pacific, Antarctic and the Indian Ocean known as UKOTs. As custodians of 94% of the UK’s unique biodiversity and stewards of the fifth-largest marine estate globally, UKOTs have a crucial part to play in global environmental conservation and climate resilience efforts. At the same time, the UKOTs are grappling with some of the most extreme impacts of climate change. Through this event, the UKOTs will share lessons learnt and showcase stories of amazing scientific discoveries – sharing initiatives and innovation with the global community – while presenting the devastating effects of climate change. UKOTs will also share their unique challenge in accessing climate finance, being ineligible to access any of the global UN climate funds, and creative ways OTs are exploring to finance their urgent adaptation needs. With support from UKG and home-grown initiatives, the UKOTs are rising to the challenge by undertaking ground-breaking research and leading innovative new projects to realise dual benefits for climate and nature. Particularly in the ocean, the UKOTs are world leaders in conservation and have a vital role to play in delivering the UK’s global commitments. Already, more than 4.3 million km² (75%) of UKOT oceans have been protected – including earth’s largest coral atoll and biggest penguin colony. Drawing on UKG funding through Blue Belt and Darwin Plus, the UKOTs have a broad spectrum of marine projects with climate adaptation and mitigation benefits which can be usefully showcased to global parties at COP29. |
Prof. Matt Frost (Panelist) | 16:15-17:15 AZT | UK Pavilion, Blue Zone
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21 November | Harnessing ocean observation for sustainable development and coastal resilience. Click here for the programme
As our planet faces the consequences of climate change, one of the most pressing challenges we confront is the rising sea levels, damaging floods from storm surges. The gradual encroachment of the seas upon our coastlines threatens coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies around the world. In the face of this imminent threat, innovative strategies and solutions are emerging to mitigate the impacts of rising seas. This session provides an opportunity to engage and discuss about recent sea level related hazard impacts, challenges, and resilient strategies and solutions.
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Prof. Matt Frost (Panelist) | 13:00-14:00 AZT | Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Pavilion, Blue Zone
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21 November | Ocean, climate and biodiversity interlinkages: Advances in understanding of the nature-climate nexus
This event Follows the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) ocean action panel theme of ‘leveraging ocean, climate and biodiversity interlinkages’. Talks will explore recent research on connections between different marine ecosystems, and how these connections can improve both our understanding of natural processes and how we can manage these systems for climate mitigation and adaptation. An expert panel studying these connections between marine ecosystems across the world will conduct short talks on their specialist topics at the interface of ocean ecosystems and climate. This will be followed by a broader discussion of remaining knowledge or policy gaps, future management needs to maintain essential functions and combat the effects of climate change, and equity in approaching these interlinked issues. |
Prof. Ana Queiros (Panelist) | 16:00-17:30 AZT | Click here to access the recording on YouTube
Click here to access the recording via the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion platform (until 22/12/2024) |
21 November | High-Level Closing Event: Taking the Leap into the ABNJ: Navigating the BBNJ Agreement together in the context of climate change
BBNJ Agreement ratification and implementation is a necessity. As the first global ocean-related agreement that specifically addresses climate change, the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is a powerful tool for climate action. Global collaboration to ensure rapid ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement could strengthen climate resilience by advancing marine conservation, sustainable use of ocean biodiversity, and environmental impact assessments, directly supporting the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon and mitigate climate change impacts. This is one of the seven key messages of the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion. This event focuses on support needed by national governments and regional organizations in responding to the challenges of ratifying and implementing the BBNJ Agreement as well as the resources that are being made available to them for this purpose. It also addresses differentiated needs among countries including the needs of landlocked countries in undertaking pre-ratification activities. Invited speakers include experts and representatives from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD; the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) of the European Commission; IUCN Pacific; UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea; the Global Environment Facility; BBNJ Informal Dialogue Secretariat; government agencies in charge of ABNJ; and the Common Oceans Cross-sectoral Project. |
Plymouth Marine Laboratory an event partner | 18:00-19:30 AZT | Click here to access the recording on YouTube
Click here to access the recording via the COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion platform (until 22/12/2024) |
Date | Title | Location | Link |
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6-22 November | Plymouth Marine Laboratory virtual exhibition stand as part of the free to register COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion | Online | COP29 Virtual Ocean Pavilion (accessible until 22/12/2024) |
18-21 November | Exhibition stand focusing on ‘Why the Ocean Matters in Climate Negotiations’. Sharing the latest developments in climate challenges, impacts & options towards sustainable ocean development connecting science, industry, policy & society on ocean action in the UNFCCC processes and strengthening NDCs. This stand is in partnership with the Global Ocean Forum, the University of Plymouth and the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean. | Area B, stand number 31, Blue Zone, by the Side Event Rooms | In person exhibit; details included in the COP29 exhibits overview |
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23 June 2025