13 March 2025

The Ocean—Our Climate Regulator The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate. It absorbs about 90% of the excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions[1] and captures nearly 30% of human-generated CO₂. However, despite its immense contribution to climate stability, the ocean is often overlooked in mainstream climate policies and discussions. Recognizing the ocean as a key climate ally is essential for developing effective solutions. 1. The Ocean as a Carbon Sink One of the most significant ways the ocean helps combat climate change is by acting as a massive carbon sink. Several processes contribute to this ability: 2. Climate Threats to the Ocean Despite its role in mitigating climate change, the ocean itself is facing severe threats due to rising global temperatures: 3. Why Isn’t the Ocean a Bigger Part of Climate Policy? Despite its importance, ocean-based climate strategies often receive less attention compared to land-based solutions like reforestation. The reasons include: 4. Ocean-Based Climate Solutions To maximize the ocean’s climate mitigation potential, we must implement stronger conservation efforts and support sustainable practices. Some key solutions include: A Call for Ocean-Driven Climate Action The ocean is not just a victim of climate change; it is one of our most powerful tools for addressing it. Investing in ocean-based climate solutions, strengthening marine protections, and incorporating the ocean into global climate policies can make a significant difference in our fight against global warming. By recognizing and leveraging the ocean’s climate-regulating power, we can move toward a more resilient and sustainable future. This article was written by Virna Chávez from the Green Initiative Team. [1] https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/ocean [2] https://erc.europa.eu/projects-statistics/science-stories/how-tiny-plankton-capture-carbon [3] https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/ocean [4] https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/CarbonCycle [5] https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/ocean-acidification [6] https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/how-climate-change-impacts [7] https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/six-ways-loss-of-arctic-ice-impacts-everyone [8] https://www.wri.org/insights/4-ocean-based-solutions-advance-climate-action-through-ndcs [9] https://deep-sea-conservation.org/key-threats/ [10] https://earth.org/just-2-8-of-the-worlds-ocean-is-effectively-protected-despite-2030-conservation-target-report-warns-ahead-of-un-biodiversity-conference/ [11] https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/world-must-act-faster-protect-30-planet-2030 [12] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385110124000376 [13] https://ocean.si.edu/conservation/fishing/sustainable-fishing [14] https://www.graygroupintl.com/blog/tidal-energy Related articles