Ocean-Based Solutions Can Help Close the Climate Emissions Gap

Tom Pickerell () and Oliver S. Ashford
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Tom Pickerell: Ocean Program, World Resources Institute, London SW1H 0BF, UK
Oliver S. Ashford: Ocean Program, World Resources Institute, London SW1H 0BF, UK

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-10

Abstract: In the context of mounting climate impacts and growing urgency to meet the Paris Agreement goals, the ocean is now increasingly being recognised not just as a victim of climate change, but as an indispensable part of the solution. Research has demonstrated that readily actionable ocean-based climate solutions can help close the emissions gap (the difference between the greenhouse gas emission reductions needed to limit global warming to 1.5 °C, and projected global emissions considering current national pledges and policies) by providing approximately a third of the mitigation needed to keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 °C goal within reach. This mitigation potential (of fully actioning these solutions) is unequally divided across seven key ocean-based action areas (listed in decreasing order of magnitude): phasing out offshore oil and gas; deploying offshore renewable energy infrastructure; decarbonising maritime transport and associated infrastructure; decarbonising ocean and aquatic food value chains; carbon capture and storage; marine and coastal conservation and restoration; and decarbonising coastal tourism. We argue that achieving the full potential of ocean climate solutions will require smart governance, drastically increased financial investment, and international cooperation. Accomplishing this, however, will bring strong co-benefits for biodiversity, food systems, and coastal resilience. The Third United Nations Ocean Conference and 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 30) present rare opportunities to mainstream the ocean into global climate strategies.

Keywords: ocean–climate nexus; ocean-based mitigation; sustainable ocean economy; blue carbon; offshore renewables; offshore oil and gas; ocean-based food; shipping; marine tourism; carbon capture and storage; marine carbon dioxide removal; Sustainable Ocean Plans; Blue NDC Challenge (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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