The ocean is our planet’s greatest climate ally. It absorbs ninety percent of excess heat and a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions, yet it is being driven to the brink by human activity.

Rising greenhouse gases are fuelling ocean warming, acidification, deoxygenation and sea level rise, threatening biodiversity, food security and the lives of millions.

To secure a just and liveable future, we must urgently integrate ocean protection into global climate action, uplift Indigenous, local, and community knowledge systems, ensure fair and accessible climate finance and safeguard the deep sea as part of our shared heritage for generations to come.

Why is this a RISE UP Priority Campaign?

RISE UP has placed a high priority on ocean-based climate solutions and community resilience, as they are featured in the Blue Call to Action under the following point:

• “Commit to new and more ambitious National Climate Plans that include the ocean (e.g. blue carbon, reduced emissions from ocean-based industry, enhanced environmental and social resilience, adaptation benefits from ocean ecosystems), and accelerate their implementation.”
• “Strengthen the ability of local coastal communities, Indigenous peoples and small-scale fishers and fishworkers, especially women and youth, to conserve biodiversity, safeguard food security, build climate resilience and eradicate poverty.”

Community Solutions from the Ground Up

The Ocean and Climate Nexus Cluster, coordinated by RISE UP, is a collaborative space rooted in justice and solidarity. It brings together frontline communities, coastal peoples, grassroots organisations and allies working at the intersection of ocean and climate. Guided by a demand-driven approach, the cluster goes beyond policy influence to foster knowledge sharing, scale local solutions, build capacity, and amplify storytelling. At its core, it is about shifting power, strengthening solidarity and driving tangible action led by those most impacted by climate change and most invested in a thriving future.

RISE UP’s Ocean and Climate Cluster aims:

• Centre Storytelling and Frontline Realities – Amplify the voices, experiences and traditional knowledge of frontline communities to shape global ocean and climate action.
• Amplify Frontline Leadership and Advocacy – Open policy pathways and build meaningful spaces for grassroots advocates to lead, share solutions and influence global ocean–climate policy, from side events to negotiation rooms and advisory platforms.
• Strengthen Knowledge Exchange and Community Building – Foster solidarity, learning and collaboration between movements, creating a strong and connected ocean-climate justice network.
• Advance Policy Change Grounded in Frontline Wisdom – Turn community-driven experiences into advocacy that influences policy, using tools like reports, briefs and collaborative campaigns.
• Scale Grassroots Solutions and Mobilise Resources – Support community-led efforts with funding, visibility and connections so they can grow, thrive and influence broader ocean-climate strategies.

Operating Framework

The cluster is made up of two key components:

Core Members: Frontline, grassroots, Indigenous-led, youth-led or community-based organisations that are primarily from Big Ocean States and directly impacted regions. They lead the cluster’s strategy, decision-making and advocacy priorities.

Solidarity Partners: Larger or High Income country-based organisations that offer support in a non-decision-making role. Their contributions may include funding, communications, technical expertise or network access, helping to reinforce the leadership of frontline communities.

Five Pillars of Work: Advancing the Ocean–Climate Nexus

The Ocean and Climate Cluster’s work is guided by five interconnected pillars that address the most urgent challenges and opportunities at the ocean–climate interface. These pillars ensure our efforts are holistic, justice-centred and grounded in both scientific knowledge and lived experience.

How to get involved

We are at a turning point for our ocean and our climate. The Ocean–Climate Cluster is a space to unite our voices, wisdom, and power—frontline defenders, grassroots movements and solidarity partners—into collective action. Together, we can challenge destructive systems, strengthen community-led solutions and ensure that those most impacted are at the heart of decision-making. We invite you to join the cluster, bring your experience, energy, and solidarity and work with us to advance ocean–climate justice and secure a thriving, resilient future for all.

• Join the cluster: Fill in the registration form. You’ll receive more information on our regular meetings, development of collective statements, learning labs, shared resources and more.

• Check out the photos (coming soon) from our cluster members (send us yours here):

• Watch the Webinar: Understanding the Ocean–Climate Nexus: From International Policy to Frontline Solutions

• Reach out to us: If you’d like to discuss, collaborate, partner or learn more about the cluster, you can email us here or contact Khadija Stewart, who is facilitating the cluster here.