MEDIA ADVISORY: Ocean Conservancy Experts Attend COP27 to Advance Ocean-Based Climate Solutions

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt: From November 7 – 18, 2022, Ocean Conservancy will attend COP27 to continue building on past success and further incorporate ocean-based climate solutions into national commitments and the ongoing work of the UNFCCC. Ocean Conservancy and our experts will be hosting or participating in events throughout the duration of COP27.

Green shipping, ocean-based renewables such as offshore wind energy and addressing the climate impacts of plastic are all ocean-based climate solutions our delegation will work to advance among parties through the UNFCCC negotiations and dialogues dedicated to ocean-climate issues.

• The amount of greenhouse gases the shipping industry emits is on par with a G7 country and countries, the UNFCCC, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) need to increase the level of ambition, quickly develop green shipping corridors, and decarbonize the industry at a rate that’s in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and a 1.5C future.
• Offshore wind will provide necessary renewable energy for countries around the world to rely on as they transition from fossil fuels to a clean energy future. Global efforts to reach at least 380GW of offshore wind installations by 2030 must be realized with equity and sustainability in mind and as a first step to more ambitious and regionally specific goals. Responsible development of offshore wind energy must consider the needs of communities, other ocean users and marine ecosystems.
• The intersection of the climate and plastic crises is of particular importance to the health of our ocean, climate and coastal communities. The entire lifecycle of plastics is a major emitter of greenhouse gases and a growing source of fossil fuel demand as their use for energy declines. Petrochemical facilities that produce plastics are also large sources of environmental pollution that create unhealthy living conditions for local communities and reduce the ability of our ocean and coasts to adapt and remain resilient in the face of climate change.

In addition to Ocean Conservancy experts who are working with partners and countries to advance these issues within the UNFCCC, our Climate Science Director, who is also Coordinating Lead Author on the Oceans and Coastal Ecosystems chapter in Working Group II of the IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report, will be at COP27 to highlight the latest findings of the IPCC and the essential role science must play in decision making.