Calls issued to protect oceans in wake of UN climate warning

A stark new warning from UN scientists over the impacts of climate change has prompted renewed calls to slash emissions and protect the oceans.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) study on the oceans and ice has been published in the wake of a UN summit on boosting climate action and protests which saw millions take to the streets around the world.

At the UN, the UK Government announced an international coalition, with countries ranging from Portugal to the Seychelles, to push for at least 30% of the global ocean to be in marine protected areas by 2030.

Ministers say the move helps sensitive species such as seahorses, turtles and corals to thrive, and can fight climate change by protecting key habitats for storing carbon such as mangrove forests and seagrass meadows.

Will Mccallum, head of oceans at Greenpeace UK, welcomed the move and called for a strong global ocean treaty to be agreed by the UN next year.

Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris and chairwoman of the C40 Cities group pushing for strong climate action, said the report on oceans and ice from the IPCC was more evidence from the world’s top scientists “that we are in the midst of a climate emergency”.

The report warns of the impacts of rising seas and storm surges on coastal areas including some of the world’s megacities in which millions of people live.

Ms Hidalgo said: “It is within our power to prevent complete climate breakdown.”

Anne Hidalgo.