Ambitious targets to reduce emissions are essential for climate change and ocean health, but by themselves are insufficient. Reducing other human-induced stresses on the ocean and restoring natural marine ecosystems is also essential to build resilience. That means reducing all kinds of pollution (not just plastics) and restoring natural habitats on the coasts and in our oceans. Both funding and commitment will be necessary to deliver a sustainable ocean environment and contribute to a positive climate outcome.

From the largest coastal cities to the smallest villages, there are many ways people can increase their natural resilience to climate change. To succeed, it will require reorganising how natural coastal ‘capital’ is spent, how risks are managed, and how activities are incentivised or de-incentivised.

Fiji has stepped forward to champion the Ocean and Climate Change Action Group. This Group will work with existing networks to improve ocean health through climate action.  It will also look for financial mechanisms to enable a ‘blue carbon’ approach – restoring the ability of coastal ecosystems to store carbon in mangroves, coastal swamps and seagrass.

• ‘2017 Was Hottest Year on Record for World’s Oceans’
• ‘Climate Action is Needed to Protect World’s Oceans’