Vidar Helgesen
Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO
Our ocean covers about 71% of the planet’s surface and houses over 80% of the Earth’s biodiversity. Yet, oceans face unprecedented challenges from climate change to habitat destruction.
The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), or ‘Ocean Decade,’ led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, aims to elevate science’s role in planetary change by promoting international collaboration and influencing public policy with scientific insights.
Science-driven ocean planning
Long-term data collection and innovative research, including initiatives like the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), provide critical insights into ocean dynamics. For instance, GOOS tracks temperature, salinity and sea level rise, enabling scientists to identify trends, assess risks and propose solutions. These insights enable policymakers to create frameworks that balance human activities, including the tourism, maritime and energy industries while preserving marine ecosystems.
The ocean absorbs about 23% of
global carbon dioxide emissions
and over 90% of excess heat from
human-induced climate change.
Science crucial to mitigating ocean challenges
The ocean absorbs about 23% of global carbon dioxide emissions and over 90% of excess heat from human-induced climate change. This capacity is diminishing, contributing to ocean acidification and coral reef loss. Ocean Decade-funded research enhances understanding of these processes to develop mitigation strategies. UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage sites, covering over 21% of all Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), play a pivotal role in this endeavour, acting as living laboratories for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
Science is instrumental in addressing overfishing and illegal fishing practices. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 34% of global fish stocks are overfished. Scientists use data to recommend sustainable fishing quotas and create MPAs to protect critical habitats. Ocean Decade fosters global cooperation, with initiatives like ‘Fisheries in Transition’ to restore fish stocks and support millions relying on fisheries for sustenance and income.
Science is also indispensable to pollution. An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean annually. UNESCO helps shape the scientific understanding of marine environmental protection through its involvement in the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP).
GESAMP has undertaken specific studies and working groups related to pollution issues, such as the Working Group 40 on ‘Plastics and Microplastics in the Ocean.’ UNESCO-IOC and UNEP co-led a group studying microplastics, creating sampling guidelines and assessing risks to marine life.
Embracing science fosters international cooperation and innovation, ensuring our ocean’s vitality for generations. The Ocean Decade is committed to this mission, turning scientific knowledge into actionable solutions for a sustainable ocean.
