The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), held in Nice on June 8-9, 2025, gathered over 120 countries, 50 world leaders, and 10,000 attendees to emphasize the critical role of oceans in climate discussions, especially with COP30 approaching in Brazil this November.

Oceans play a vital role in climate regulation, capturing approximately 30% of carbon dioxide emissions and 90% of excess heat, yet they have been largely excluded from climate change discussions.

French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the dangers posed by rising sea temperatures and acidification, asserting that the health of the ocean is essential for effective climate change mitigation.

Ana Vasconcelos, an MEP, called for a shift in perspective, urging that the ocean should be viewed not just as a backdrop but as a frontline actor in climate action, highlighting the need for actionable commitments from the conference.

The Blue NDC Challenge, launched by France and Brazil, encourages nations to prioritize oceans in their climate action plans, with updates expected by September 2025 ahead of COP30.

The European Union's 2023 Marine Action Plan aims to phase out bottom trawling in marine protected areas by 2030 to support marine ecosystem health and bolster climate mitigation efforts.

Immediate actions are recommended to protect the ocean, including banning harmful practices like bottom trawling and deep sea mining that threaten marine ecosystems.

The conference also saw the release of the first Starfish Barometer, which warned of alarming trends such as rising sea levels, record temperatures, and rapid ocean acidification.

Experts, including Louis Lambrechts from the Oceano Azul Foundation, argue that integrating ocean strategies into climate policy is essential for achieving realistic climate goals.

Isabella Lövin, former Swedish climate minister, emphasized the need for greater focus on oceans as they are crucial climate regulators, advocating for more discussions on ocean preservation.

Despite some positive steps, concerns remain regarding global ocean governance efforts, particularly due to the lack of commitment from the United States, which has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement.

Robert Blasiak highlighted the diminishing capacity of the ocean to absorb heat, which poses significant risks to ecosystems and communities that rely on marine resources.