Why Climate Action Needs the Ocean ahead of COP30

When we think about climate change, the Amazon Rainforest often comes to mind. However, the Ocean is just as vital for regulating our planet’s climate.

Absorbing around 30% of global carbon dioxide emissions and 90% of the excess heat they generate, the Ocean is one of our greatest allies in the fight against climate change. Ocean and coastal ecosystems also hold enormous potential for climate solutions—by protecting and restoring blue carbon ecosystems, like mangrove forests, and developing marine renewable energy to move us away from fossil fuels. As we confront the escalating impacts of climate change, it is time the Ocean receives the recognition—and action—it urgently deserves.

In a recent conversation with RISE UP’s Senior Campaigner, Khadija Stewart; Marinez Scherer, Special Envoy for the Ocean for COP30, explains why bringing in the Ocean to global climate talks is a top priority for Brazil as host of the next UN Climate Change Conference in November 2025.

Brazil’s Ocean Agenda for COP30

Since 2023, Brazil has steadily woven the ocean into its climate strategy. The Ministry of Environment became the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and they have launched ambitious programs to safeguard vital mangrove ecosystems, as well as expand marine protected areas. During the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, Brazil also spearheaded the Blue NDCs initiative with France to encourage ocean-based actions in national climate commitments.

Ocean at the Core of the COP30 Agenda

For the first time, COP30’s official action agenda will include a dedicated objective on ocean conservation and restoration. Scherer’s appointment as Special Envoy is itself a milestone—signaling Brazil’s intent to make the ocean a central theme in climate negotiations and set a precedent for future COPs.

Building Bridges, Youth, and Inclusion

Brazil is adopting a participatory approach rooted in the concept of Mutirão—“let’s all work together.” This means engaging scientists, Indigenous peoples, civil society, and especially Youth.

During the interview, Khadija asks:

“With so many youth, especially in Brazil, leading local and community-driven ocean solutions, what concrete steps can they take to ensure their efforts are meaningful and influence international negotiations—beyond tokenism?”

Marinez reflects on this challenge:

“For two years I coordinated marine spatial planning in Brazil. At one conference, a young woman asked how we would include youth in the process of amnesty. It was the first time I had no clear answer—and it stayed with me. Since then, I’ve worked to change that. Just this week I joined a meeting with the Brazilian Hub of Sustainable Ocean Alliance, where youth are preparing a document with their priorities for climate action. I will make sure this document is included in the work we produce as part of COP30.”

Already, we can see the progress of Youth engagement being championed by Brazil’s COP Presidency and on 12 August – International Youth Day – the Mutirao das Juventudes Youth Campaign was launched.  Led by COP30 Youth Climate Champion Marcele Oliveira, this platform aims to connect young people around the world to climate change debates, contribute to the COP30 Action Agenda and send an important message to decision-makers – that there is no climate justice without youth participation.

A Vision for Success at COP30

Aside from the inclusion of previously marginalised groups, for Marinez, success means official recognition of the ocean as a vital climate regulator, the integration of ocean indicators into global goals, and more countries embedding “blue” solutions into their NDCs. Ocean action must not be peripheral—it must be central.

A Call to the Ocean Movement

Marinez’s message to us all is simple yet powerful: “Keep moving and make noise like the ocean does.”

The ocean is not just a victim of climate change—it’s also a solution. By pushing leaders, amplifying local initiatives, and building ocean literacy, we can ensure it is never sidelined again.

👉 Watch or listen to the interview to dive deeper into how Brazil is preparing for COP30 and why the ocean must rise to the top of the climate agenda.