ONE OCEAN SUMMIT

From 8 thru 11 February, France will hold a 'One Planet' Summit dedicated to the Ocean in Brest, Britany. The Summit aims to mobilize the international community and take concrete action to reduce adverse effects on the ocean, raising its level of ambition on maritime issues. The Summit will include events aimed at generating solutions  followed by a high-level segment on 11 February with Heads of State and Government and leaders of international organizations, local authorities, civil society, business, and finance. 

Topics

1. protection of marine biodiversity in territorial waters and in the high seas
2. overfishing
3. the fight against pollution (especially plastic)
4. climate change,
5. ocean governance.
6. sustainable exploitation of resources
7. education and scientific knowledge
8. sustainable economy
9. support for blue finance to support a healthy ocean and the populations that depend on it.
10. decarbonization of the shipping industry
11. adaptation of cities and their territories to sea level rise

Note

The ocean covers 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, is the planet's largest biosphere, and is home to up to 80 percent of all life in the world. It generates 50 percent of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90 percent of the additional heat generated from those emissions. It is not just ‘the lungs of the planet’ but also its largest carbon sink - a vital buffer against the impacts of climate change.

It nurtures unimaginable biodiversity and produces food, jobs, mineral and energy resources needed for life on the planet to survive and thrive.

The science is clear – the ocean is facing unprecedented threats as a result of human activities. Its health and ability to sustain life will only get worse as the world population grows and human activities increase. If we want to address some of the most defining issues of our time such as climate change, food insecurity, diseases and pandemics, diminishing biodiversity, economic inequality and even conflicts and strife, we must act now to protect the state of our ocean.