climate protection The Ocean in Crisis

The Ocean is our greatest climate ally. It has absorbed more than 90% of excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, regulating the planet’s climate. But as global warming poses one of the most severe threats to the ocean, this vital system is reaching its limits.

Marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, triggering mass coral bleaching and contributing significantly to rising sea levels. Offshore fossil fuel exploration adds to the problem, producing some of the loudest human-generated noise in the marine environment.

OceanCare works to prevent, reduce and mitigate human activities in the ocean that contribute to the climate crisis and harm marine life. Our focus is on ending offshore fossil fuel exploration and exploitation, reducing the environmental impact of global shipping, and countering risky, unproven technologies that distract from real climate solutions.

Our goals in climate protection

Respect the carbon budget

The Mediterranean is the world’s second fastest warming region. A report commissioned by OceanCare shows that the region’s remaining carbon budget will be exhausted by 2035. OceanCare advocates for regional cooperation to protect the Mediterranean.

End oil exploration

The oil industry is not only a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions; it also generates some of the loudest human-made noise and harms marine life. The world must ban offshore oil and gas exploration and phase out existing fossil fuel extraction.

No false solutions

The global carbon budget is nearly exhausted, while emissions continue to rise. Solutions for significant emissions reductions exist – what’s missing is political will. Carbon removal and marine geoengineering are false solutions that distract from real action.

News

Storys

facts about climate and the ocean

Fossil fuels are responsible for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The ocean absorbs around 30% of CO₂ emissions, acting as a carbon sink.

Additional CO₂ uptake is driving rising ocean acidification.

Ocean warming significantly contributes to global sea-level rise.

Marine heatwaves are intensifying, driving mass coral bleaching worldwide.

Slowing down ships cuts emissions, reduces underwater noise and ship strikes.

Bottom trawling releases stored carbon and destroys marine habitats.

The Mediterranean is the second-fastest warming region in the world after the Arctic.

Marine heatwaves in the Mediterranean could cut fin whale habitats by up to 70% by 2050.

Protecting the climate means protecting the ocean — and vice versa.

Fossil fuel exploration in the ocean generates one of the loudest human-made noises.

Publications on climate protection

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