Story

What next for the Ocean in Climate Change Talks? Q&A with PML’s Professor Matt Frost

18 October 2024

It follows the publication of the Summary Report of the 2024 Ocean Dialogue ahead of COP29.

Following the release of the informal summary report from the 2024 Ocean dialogue (which was held on 11-12 June 2024 as part of the UN Climate Meetings in Bonn, Germany), PML’s Head of the International Office Prof. Matt Frost (who acted as a moderator in Bonn) discusses the urgent need for ocean-based climate action and the broader implications for global climate action.

Professor Frost was a Moderator of one of the Breakout Groups with Thecla Keizer as a participant
Professor Frost was a Moderator of one of the Breakout Groups with Thecla Keizer as a participant.

What’s your assessment of the current state of ocean action in climate change mitigation?

“There’s a growing recognition of the ocean’s importance in the climate change conversation, and I’m pleased that PML continues to be at the forefront of this dialogue. However, this momentum in terms of awareness is not yet matched by concrete global action.”

“As UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell stated after the June UN Climate Change meeting in Bonn, only ‘modest steps’ were taken, which means there is “a very steep mountain to climb to achieve ambitious outcomes in Baku”. This gap between recognition and action is concerning, given the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises”.

Can you elaborate on the recent 2024 Ocean dialogue and its significance in the broader context of climate action?

“The dialogue – which was mandated by COP25 in 2019 – focused on marine biodiversity conservation, coastal resilience, and technology needs for ocean climate action, including finance links with a further mandate by COP26 for the relevant work programmes and constituted UNFCCC bodies to consider how to integrate and strengthen ocean-based action in their existing mandates and workplans. What’s particularly significant about this dialogue is that it acknowledged an increasing understanding at the highest levels of the ocean’s essential role in both mitigating climate change and helping communities adapt to its impacts.”

“It also highlighted the need to integrate ocean-based action into countries’ climate plans and targets, which is something we at PML continue to support by providing expert scientific advice and evidence”.

What were some of the key takeaways from the dialogue, and how do they relate to PML’s work?

“There were several crucial takeaways that align closely with PML’s research priorities:

  • Blue carbon ecosystems can play a key role in climate change mitigation. This includes mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, which not only capture and store carbon but also protect coastal communities from rising seas and extreme weather events. At PML, we’ve been studying these ecosystems for years, quantifying their carbon storage capacity and supporting strategies for their conservation and restoration.
  • There’s a pressing need to improve financing and access to funds for blue carbon initiatives. This is crucial because many developing countries, which often have extensive blue carbon ecosystems, face barriers in accessing funds and building capacity. PML has been working on economic valuation of marine ecosystems, which can help make the case for increased investment in these areas.
  • Renewable ocean energy sources, such as offshore wind, wave, and tidal technologies, could significantly reduce carbon emissions. We continue to carry out research into the potential impacts and benefits of these technologies on marine ecosystems.
  • Advanced technologies like satellite-based remote sensing and AI are crucial for data collection and adaptation efforts. This is an area where PML excels – not least in our use of cutting-edge technology as part of the Western Channel Observatory and the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy to monitor ocean health and climate impacts.
  • The dialogue also called for greater alignment between Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to better reflect the climate-ocean-biodiversity nexus. The need for such a holistic approach is something we continue to highlight”.

How does the dialogue’s emphasis on technology and data collection align with PML’s capabilities?

“We’re at the forefront of using satellite-based remote sensing, AI, and other advanced technologies for ocean monitoring. For instance, we’ve developed algorithms and techniques for the monitoring and detection of invasive species, harmful algal blooms, marine plastics and other stressors. This is all crucial for understanding how climate change and other human impacts are affecting marine ecosystems.”

“Moreover, the dialogue emphasized the importance of real-time data collection for adaptation efforts. This data is crucial for informing policy decisions and adaptation strategies. A great example at PML is our pioneering use of AI for plankton recognition as part of the APICS project, designed to give us an unprecedented real-time understanding of changes taking place at the base of the marine food chain”.

The report mentions the potential of blue bonds and blended finance. Can you explain what these are and their importance?

“Blue bonds and blended finance are innovative financial instruments that can help fund ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Blue bonds are similar to green bonds but specifically focused on ocean and coastal-based projects. Blended finance involves using public or philanthropic funds to catalyse private sector investment in sustainable development.”

“These financial tools are crucial because traditional funding sources often fall short when it comes to ocean conservation and climate adaptation. At PML, we’re involved in research that helps quantify the economic value of marine ecosystems, which can make these financial instruments more attractive to investors. By demonstrating the economic benefits of healthy oceans, we hope to help unlock more funding for crucial ocean-based climate solutions”.

What’s the next big step in ocean-based climate action, and how is PML preparing for it?

“An important next step is for countries to incorporate robust ocean components into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) due in 2025. This is a prime opportunity to turn the dialogue’s findings into concrete commitments and actions.”

“We continue to collaborate with international partners to provide scientific support for countries as they develop their NDCs”.

What message do you have for global leaders and policymakers as we approach COP29?

“The science is clear that bold, decisive action can unlock the full potential of ocean-based climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. If these are implemented alongside strategies for broader reduction and mitigation action then some of the more extreme future scenarios can still be avoided.”

“Importantly, and it has been said before, we need to shift from viewing the ocean as a passive victim of climate change to embracing it as an active, indispensable ally in collective efforts to preserve the planet’s delicate balance. Investing in ocean health is investing in our future. It’s not just about preserving marine biodiversity – although that in itself is critical – it’s about protecting our coastal communities, ensuring food security, and maintaining the ecosystem services that the ocean provides.”

“Moreover, I would stress the importance of following through on existing commitments. The Glasgow Climate Pact called for mainstreaming ocean-based action in the work of the UNFCCC. We need to see this translated urgently into concrete actions and funding commitments”.

Share this news story