Oceans & Water

We know that the oceans play an important role in regulating the Earth’s temperature, absorbing carbon dioxide, and supporting biodiversity and livelihoods. But we are only just starting to recognise the extent to which the blue economy impacts climate change.

Key Statistics:

• The world ocean encompasses over 70% of the surface area of the planet and 99% of its living space.
• The temperature of the world's ocean surface has hit an all-time high since satellite records began, leafing to marine heatwaves around the globe, according to US government data. In July 2023, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned, "The era of global warming has ended; the aera of global boiling has arrived."
• The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy estimates that the ocean economy can deliver 21% of the greenhouse gas emission reductions needed to meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting average global temperature rise to 1.5°C by 2050.

Speaking to our advisors, attending events and researching online has revealed to us how deep and expansive the conversations around net zero are in oceans & water; how promising the innovations are, and what an opportunity Innovation Zero has as a platform to catalyse tangible results by bringing the relevant stakeholders together.

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