London, 23 June 2025
As part of London Climate Action Week 2025, a dedicated event was held to focus on the pivotal role the ocean can play in addressing climate change, using the findings from the Ocean Panel’s landmark report, The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change as a basis for discussion.
The Ocean Panel was represented by members of the UK government, along with the Indonesian Ambassador to the UK.
The event spotlighted seven core areas where ocean-based solutions can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by as much as 35% annually on a 1.5C pathway by 2050.
- Head of the Ocean Panel Secretariat, Tom Pickerell opened the session by highlighting the untapped potential of ocean-based climate solutions, from offshore renewables to blue carbon ecosystems, and the urgent need to scale them.
- UK Minister for Water and Flooding, Emma Hardy MP, spoke on the UK’s commitment to protecting and restoring climate-resilient marine ecosystems, while also reflecting on the progress made so far.
- A panel containing ocean-climate experts, and including Dr. Desra Percaya, Indonesian Ambassador to the UK, discussed the seven core solutions and where there are considerable opportunities for funding and leadership as well as highlighting how ocean action can deliver benefits for people and nature.
- Ruth Davis OBE, UK Special Representative for Nature, closed the discussion with a clear message: the ocean must be a key part of global action on climate and biodiversity, noting that current finance models fall short of what is needed.
“The Ocean is suffering, but we can turn the tide. We are making considerable progress, and events like this today remind us that solutions are within reach”.
Emma Hardy MP, UK Minister for Water and Flooding
The session concluded with the London premiere of Antarctica: The Giant Awakens, a new documentary by Liz Courtney that highlights the rapidly changing Antarctic landscape and its global implications. The film brought the science and policy discussions into sharp emotional focus and left attendees with a powerful reminder of what’s at stake.
