Marine Science at COP22 in Marrakesh

The 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place from 7 to 18 November 2016 in Marrakech, Morocco. At COP22 the parties will begin preparations for entry into force of the Paris Agreement, which has entered into force on November 4, just in advance of the COP22. The COP22 will be attended by marine scientists from all over the world who will discuss the impact of climate change on oceans.

More than half of the oceans don’t belong to a nation and are therefore shared asset for humanity. To protect the source of all life, international efforts to protect the oceans need to be made. A new global climate agreement was reached at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris. The Paris Agreement includes recognition for the ocean within the preamble and in the agreement itself, under the banner of ecosystem integrity: The parties to the agreement are “noting the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems, including oceans”.

At COP22, leading marine scientists whose research is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research will present their research on ocean change. A main theme addressed by the researchers is ocean acidification.

Video from BIOACID about ocean acidification (available in English, German, and French)

Changing oceans and seas around the world: implications for mitigation & adaptation
November 9, 2016, 10:30 – 12:00, European pavilion (Area D, DEL 2)

A panel of international ocean experts - including BIOACID scientists - will provide an integrated and updated perspective on the climate related changes, risks and projections for both natural and human ocean systems and make mitigation and adaptation recommendations for future UNFCCC processes.

Our Ocean: World’s largest carbon sink and ecosystem under rapid change; challenges and actions.
November 11, 2016, 18:30 – 20:00, Mediterranean

Global assessments of ocean warming, acidification, deoxygenation and sea-level rise identified serious risks to marine ecosystems, fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Experts from across the globe – including BIOACID expert Prof. Dr. Hans-Otto Poertner – discuss oceans, climate and society, impacts, solutions and recommendations for future UNFCCC actions.

Platform “Hot, Sour and Breathless”
November 7-18, 2016, UN Area, Platform 30B

Our ocean under rapid change from rising CO2: impacts, actions and opportunities - connecting science, industry, policy and public. Plymouth Marine Laboratory, OA-International Coordination Centre and BIOACID bring together understanding of threats from ocean acidification, deoxygenation and warming

The Oceans Action Day at COP 22
November 12, 2016, Blue Zone, European pavilion
The Oceans Action Day at COP 22 will bring together leaders in the UNFCCC negotiations, high-level representatives from governments, intergovernmental/international organizations, and civil society to advance the oceans and climate change agenda at COP 22 and beyond.
Please see The Oceans Action Day website.