COP27: The important role of deep blue carbon

In this panel discussion, nations were called on to invest in ocean observation to meet urgent climate targets.

Having absorbed 40 per cent of fossil fuel emissions and 90 per cent of the heat produced by humans, the ocean controls our climate. But this function is changing – and how fast is becoming more uncertain. Importantly, 95 per cent of ocean carbon is “deep blue carbon” in the high seas beyond national jurisdictions. The ocean is critically under-observed.

This lack of information is undermining our ability to predict long-term climate change and weather events. The risk to our economy and our planet is too great to ignore.

The Ocean Frontier Institute proposed the North Atlantic Carbon Observatory to serve as an initial framework for nations to join forces to consider how to measure, manage and report on carbon – enabling better climate forecasts to inform global climate policy and strategy.

‍