Scientist Statement

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Scientist Statement

SEVEN ASKS FOR THE G7

Why embracing the ocean is central to tackling climate disruption, supporting human wellbeing, and sustaining a successful recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, the G7 has a unique opportunity to lead the global ocean protection and recovery needed to tackle climate disruption, reverse biodiversity loss, support human wellbeing, and embark on a successful, inspirational recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The threats facing our planet are connected. We cannot solve the climate or biodiversity crises if we ignore the ocean. To turn the tide in favor of humanity and a habitable planet we need to better understand the ocean, value it, and prioritize urgent action to protect it at the Earthscape level.

G7 nations have unparalleled capacity and political will to make this happen. Governments and communities across the world are signalling a determination to build a better, greener, and more equitable world after the pandemic is finally under control. The G7 meeting in Cornwall could be a turning point, where we see commitments to meaningful, united action for the ocean on a timeline that could actually make a difference.  It is  a chance to commit to integrated, science-based solutions that address the interconnectivity between the ocean, climate and biodiversity.

In this context, the International Programme on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) convened a virtual workshop of international scientists to highlight the critical importance of the ocean and outline a plan of action to ensure a sustainable ocean future for nature and people. The scientists identified 7 asks for the G7 to lead a stimulus package of policy and science interventions to stop damaging the ocean; protect and restore the ocean; and lead a decade of global ocean action.

STOP DAMAGING THE OCEAN

1.     Ban destructive extraction of ocean resources 
2.     Unite to regulate and eliminate ocean pollution

 PROTECT, MANAGE AND RESTORE THE OCEAN

3.     Expand effective ocean protection, management and restoration for people,    biodiversity and climate
4.     Catalyze and coordinate action on ocean, carbon and climate 

LEAD A DECADE OF GLOBAL OCEAN ACTION 

5.     Prioritize nature-based solutions and support ocean science 
6.     Close the gaps in ocean governance and finance 
7.     Mainstream ocean education