The UN High Seas Treaty to protect the ocean commits governments to boost funding for marine conservation. It will also create a network of protected areas.

United Nations Member States have agreed the High Seas Treaty ensuring the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.

UN oceans treaty a 'historic moment'; Energy sector CO2 emissions hit record high in 2022; Danes urged to eat less meat to help tackle climate crisis.

Oceans are on the frontline of the climate crisis, as they absorb excess heat and carbon dioxide. These pictures show some of the ways in which marine life is affected - and protected.

The return of the La Niña weather pattern has seen devastating floods in both Australia and New Zealand. Research highlights the vital role of the public.

The Global Biodiversity Framework sets ambitious targets to conserve nature and ensure its sustainable use – businesses are key to its implementation.

They can absorb carbon from the atmosphere at a much faster rate than other carbon sinks, research has shown, but a new study reveals even more.

Top climate and environment news: Antarctica sea ice at record low; Cyclone Gabrielle could cost New Zealand $8 billion; Guyana's carbon-offset future.

Marine protection is crucial for creating well-protected and sustainably managed oceans, and by working together we can clean up all the world's oceans.

In Kenya, small-scale fish farming combined with sustainable agroecology practices is boosting food security for smallholder farmers, reports Mongabay.

Human activity is destroying our coasts - but there's still time to save them, says a new study.

Countries and international organizations are beginning to see how important wetlands are, with some adopting “no-net-loss” policies to boost coverage.

In 1952, a landslide along the coast of Greenland triggered a tsunami that killed a local fisherman. The tragedy went largely uninvestigated — until now.

At 1.5°C of warming, 99% of the world’s coral reefs will die, according to latest research, which says greenhouse gas emissions must be slashed this decade.

Hundreds of bird species use the Salton Sea as a rest stop during migration, but its declining water levels are endangering nature and people nearby.

Biodiversity - the variety of flora and fauna - helps support and sustain healthy ecosystems, says Green Matters, but humanity is gradually eroding it.

Shallow reefs and deep-sea reefs receive little scientific attention due to costs and logistics, but research shows they do face threats.

2016 was the hottest year for the ocean ever recorded, while in 2022, global ocean temperatures were 0.69C higher than the century’s average, says Statista.

Sustainable seafood has risen in popularity, but is it really better for the environment? Here, Green Matters unpacks the meaning behind the label.

From art to music to in-depth panel discussions, ocean action was a focal talking point at Davos 23, here's a round-up of the ocean action highlights.

Trade, tech, and tackling the climate crisis were just some of the topics under discussion at Davos 2023. Here's a snapshot of some of the highlights.

These start-ups are boosting ocean conservation and promoting a sustainable blue economy through sensors, satellites, artificial intelligence, and more.

A new collaboration will source and scale innovative technologies and solutions that address sustainable forestry and the interlinkage between nature and human health.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are linked in complex ways – neither can be solved if we don't embrace science, collaboration and new enabling frameworks

Restoring the health of the ocean is a key part in combatting global warming. If we work together, we have the opportunity to make real and meaningful change.

Today’s leadership faces multiple, interconnected challenges - and the complexity of these issues requires a renewed focus on what makes an effective leader.

Select experts participating at the 53rd World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos provide their predictions for what to expect from 2023 in their areas of expertise.

Artists like Sarah Cameron Sunde are bringing attention to the existential threat of rising sea levels through unique visual art performances.

As ocean data becomes available, we have promising, potentially mind-blowing opportunities for science-led, data-driven solutions to heal the ocean.

If the ocean were a country, it would have the seventh most productive economy. Conserving and safeguarding it is a win-win for both business and society

Restoring coastal ecosystems could result in a return of $11.8 billion in carbon finance by 2040. Here's how partnerships could unlock the potential of blue carbon for people and planet.

The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2023 identifies the key risks facing the world over the next decade. The cost-of-living crisis tops the list.

Glaciers provide water for about 1.9 billion people globally, and their loss could also increase the likelihood of hazards such as floods and landslides.

A new study shows how whales could help fight climate change and reduce carbon emissions to help protect the ocean and lead to healthier ecosystems.

Argentina recently approved a law to protect its Mitre Peninsula. The area is a vital carbon sink, through its range of peatlands and ocean kelp forests.

Protecting Indonesia's remaining peatlands and mangroves is vital if the country is to meet its emissions reduction goal by 2030, a new study shows.

Top climate change and environment stories: A global biodiversity deal is agreed; California aims to cut CO2 emissions by 85%; 'Bomb cyclone' looms in US

The Arctic is seeing more rainfall when it would normally be snowing, and sea ice that protected coastlines from erosion during storms is forming later.

Floating wind turbines are being tested in locations around the world. They sit on a platform with mooring lines to anchor them in place in the water.

Desalination removes salt from saltwater and converts it to freshwater, but it can produce waste and toxic chemicals that harm wildlife and the planet.

Climate change is making it harder for polar bears to hunt, mate and breed. Here, experts and scientists from around the world assess the animal's future.

Nature-based solutions are vital for tackling the climate crisis. Here's how they can be transformed through nature tech into solutions that are scalable, transparent and trustworthy.

It’s a potentially controversial acknowledgement that some places simply can’t be saved, but in some cases it may also be the most responsible course of action.

It's the 40th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Time that we reformed this law to promote equity and protect our natural environment.

Governments must accelerate implementation of ocean-based climate solutions and raise ambition to put the world on track to limit GHG emissions, WRI says.

Climate change is responsible for moving species from current marine protected areas (MPAs), so new MPAs may need to be mapped to maintain biodiversity.

Policy-makers at COP15 are urged to 'make it mandatory' for companies to report their impact on nature to accelerate global action on biodiversity loss.

From plastic alternatives to novel ways to capture CO2, here are the winners of the annual Earthshot Prize, a competition that looks for solutions to help repair our planet.

From optimizing whale safety to mapping the sea floor, here's how innovators are uncovering new insights from ocean data and driving marine research.

Global average consumption of fish and other seafood per person reached a record high of 20.5 kilogram in 2019. The highest consumers are coastal nations.

Global fisheries and aquaculture production totaled 177.8 million tonnes in 2020 according to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Battling sharks and container ships, Lewis Pugh swam 123 kilometres across the Red Sea to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on the coral reefs there.

Discussions at COP27 highlighted nature's pivotal role in tackling the climate crisis. These 10 areas show where progress is being made on climate action.

It's time to bring everyday citizens to the negotiating table, so decision-makers have access to real experiences from those most impacted by the ocean.

The deep sea contains 90% of the water in our oceans, but due to the lack of sunlight for photosynthesis to occur, it makes it a difficult place for species to live.

Māori ancestors adapted to changing climate conditions rapidly, and research highlights the changes to resource, availability and population growth.

Ocean 20 launches 12 November to start a dialogue to boost lasting, equitable, resilient growth for G20 countries through a sustainable ocean economy.

From optimizing whale safety to mapping the sea floor, here's how ocean data innovators are uncovering new insights and driving ocean research.

Up to one billion tons of carbon dioxide is released each year from degraded coastal ecosystems. Here's how blue carbon credits can reduce emissions and protect coastal communities.

By 2050, the world will have produced over 40 billion tonnes of plastic, and it's not going anywhere. Here's how collaboration can tackle plastic pollution.

New images show the Caspian Sea's declining water levels over the past 16 years. Here's why that's a threat to people and planet - and what we can do.

Climate risks are impacting coastal cities around the world leading some communities to take their own action to increase future resilience.

The Nile Delta is one of Earth's most fertile and densely populated rural areas but climate impacts are negatively affecting coastal farms in Egypt.

Climate finance is a central theme at COP27 in Egypt. Here are some options for climate adaptation and climate finance.

As the UN Climate Summit COP27 begins this month, here are 6 books climate leaders such as Jane Goodall, Al Gore and more say will inspire and shape you.

The shipping industry aims to align with a 1.5 degrees Celsius trajectory, this means that zero-emission fuels must make up 5% of global fuels by 2030.

Japan has developed world-leading ways of mitigating tsunamis and other natural disasters, using innovative technology and public-private partnerships.

Carbon offsetting is becoming an essential tool for reducing emissions and channeling much-needed funding to the Global South. Here's how it has matured.

The world is at a tipping point when it comes to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Turning pledges into implementation plans is a high priority for COP27.

Rapidly expanding renewable power use would remove the need for new fossil fuel extraction, but current investment in these technologies is falling short.

Mangrove forests capture and store carbon and act as natural flood defences. A reforestation project shows how technology can help saplings reach maturity.

People living on islands are seeing the impact of climate change on the ocean every day. At COP27, the international community must take responsibility

Ocean sediments are massive storehouses for ancient reservoirs of natural methane. Scientists investigate the possibility and potential impact of its release.

Conservationists are advocating for fish-mediated resilience - restoring populations of algae-eating reef fish, in order to save the world’s coral reefs.

Lighthouse factories around the globe use technology to improve productivity, sustainability and workforce engagement. Here are key quotes from Lighthouse leaders.

Advances in satellite technology over recent decades have allowed scientists to chart the melting of the Earth’s ice sheets in remarkable detail.

Scientists have found the first ‘sea level fingerprint’, helping boost confidence in models and theories predicting potential changes in ocean levels.

Small ocean eddies move important nutrients around oceans and help keep marine life healthy. This could also help sustain carbon storage in subtropical oceans.

Marine temperatures are rising because of climate change and are likely to exceed safe thresholds more quickly in deeper waters, according to a new study.

Rising sea levels have now reached record numbers and are forecast to rise more by 2050. Where are sea levels rising fastest, and what can the world do to slow the tide?

Up to 35% of fish caught is wasted. The seafood sector can become more circular and put by-products to use. Aquaculture offers solutions.

Whale Safe technology is helping reduce fatal collisions between ships and whales in the Santa Barbara Channel off the West coast of the United States.

The Seabin project began in Australia and aims to solve the global problem of ocean plastic pollution and ocean conservation, one marina at a time.

Market-based sustainable ocean investing is surging, with opportunities across all sectors and asset classes of the blue economy.

Indonesia is planning to expand its marine protected area coverage to 325,000 square kilometres by the end of this decade, the fisheries ministry says.

Seaweed is a versatile and nutritious food source, often rich in fibre and high in vitamins and minerals. But high prices and food neophobia are barriers.

Global warming is accelerating permafrost thawing, causing Arctic lakes to drain, endangering the lives of species and communities dependent on these vital freshwater sources.

The famous Great Salt Lake in the United States has shrunk almost 7 metres since 1985 - because of population growth and climate change, says NASA.

NASA concludes that sea level rise over this 30-year period is about 10 times more than it would be if only natural flows of water between ocean and land were measured in a year.

Plankton reflect climate change’s impact on the ocean - increasing levels of jellyfish signal how rising sea temperatures are altering the ocean food web.

The Mediterranean Sea has seen record-breaking temperatures this summer. Here a Professor of Marine Zoology explains the potential impact on ocean life.

From China to Senegal, countries are coming up with innovations including 'floating' and 'sponge' cities, to adapt to climate change and protect people and property from flooding.

Maritime shipping is responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As the sector goes green, these three economies are emerging as leaders.

Fishers operating near the port of Belawan on the island of Sumatra are reporting declining catches and a hit to their livelihoods from tidal flooding.

Coastal communities that depend on marine megafauna for food and income are, in contrast, rarely well placed to benefit from marine tourism - so how can we fund their conservation without...

New research shows that microwaving fish waste could create carbon nano-onions which could be used to make sustainable LEDs, among other applications.

Living seawalls – a form of eco-engineering – are 3D-printed structures that help restore local ecosystems and protect coastal areas from rising seawater.

New research found several reasons why it is extremely difficult to work out a reliable figure for carbon accumulation by coastal ecosystems under current conditions.

Building a blue economy means preserving the ocean for future generations without sacrificing profit — but financing is key. Here's how we make it happen.

The Eastern Caribbean is at the forefront of efforts to invest heavily in developing the blue economy, in close partnership with the World Bank and others.

A new report has found that an increase in seafood sustainability and greater supply chain disclosure could improve ocean health and significantly boost retailer profits.

Deep-sea mining, an industry poised to start operating in 2023, could result in the dangerous loss of biodiversity and other disruptions to the deep sea.

As the UN supports negotiations for a plastic pollution treaty, researchers dive into existing laws that regulate plastic pollution from fishing vessels

Researchers have documented fin whales feeding en masse off Antarctica’s Elephant Island, a win for the 1982 ban on the practice of commercial whaling.

Upcoming rules from the IMO require shipping firms to calculate their vessels' annual carbon intensity, which could lead to slower sailing speed on older ships.

The 2022 UN Ocean Conference took place in Lisbon. The global ocean community gathered to celebrate progress and push for more ambitious ocean action.

From the financial value of green energy investment in Europe, to how best to talk about sustainability, these are the latest stories on climate change.

Research models have found that a temporary climate overshoot would cause waves of irreversible extinctions and lasting damage to tens of thousands of species.

The ocean is in serious decline. Only an urgent multilateral effort can halt this and preserve the ocean and the benefits it provides for future generations.

Seas hold over 50 times the amount of CO2 than the atmosphere, so we'd be wise to look at ocean-based carbon dioxide removal to tackle climate change.

Web3 tools are being used to raise money for ocean conservation and fund ocean science, but more scientific input and analysis are needed to ensure success.

Small Island Developing States like Fiji were battered by COVID-19. In a post-pandemic world, the ocean will provide them sustainable and resilient growth.

The UN Ocean Conference will be focussing on the major challenges and opportunities faced by the ocean today, from overfishing to excess carbon emissions.

Top environment stories: Aquaman's Momoa speaks out on saving the ocean; Denmark sets EU's highest carbon tax; Biodiversity loss would hit credit ratings.

There are hopes UN Ocean Conference 2022, in Portugal, co-hosted by Kenya, will find solutions to the problems of sustainably managing the ocean.

The world's biggest freshwater fish ever recorded, a female stingray weighing in at 300kg, has been discovered by Cambodian villagers on the Mekong River.

6 winners were picked for the United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Competition, as photographers from around the world captured the beauty of our blue planet.

Most living biomass is found on land, with plants accounting for four-fifths of the total, while animal biomass is most prevalent in marine environments.

In 2021, ocean surface temperatures were 0.65°C higher than the 20th century average. The year with the biggest divergence was 2016, at 0.8°C higher.

Countries must take bolder, more holistic approaches to achieve a sustainable ocean economy and address existing inequalities, say experts.

When it comes to marine conservation, Niue has become a world leader by protecting all the ocean around its coasts.

World Ocean Day is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Thousands of events will be hosted by youth groups, schools, aquariums and businesses in 150 countries.

Vital ocean regions off the coasts of mainland US are unprotected, according to new analysis of marine protected areas (MPAs), which calls for increased funding.

Researchers are using autonomous underwater robots to sample environmental DNA and monitor marine biodiversity in previously unsurveyed parts of the ocean.

A blue economy can spur economic growth, create jobs and mitigate some of the most severe climate impacts if we protect it and use its resources sustainably.

As human demands and interventions in a finite marine space increase, it will become more and more challenging to restore and protect the ocean.

The blue economy is rising. Learn how innovative global businesses are working together to protect, restore and support the ocean and the blue economy.

IUU fishing represents as much as 20% of the global catch and means losses to the global economy in the range of billions. New technological approaches can identify the risks of illegal f...

The ocean has a memory - and it's rapidly losing it, according to research. Global warming is making the critical top layer, called ocean memory, thinner.

With sea levels set to rise another foot by 2050, New Zealand has published a draft plan on it can adapt to rising sea levels and other climate risks.

Rising temperatures are accelerating Earth's water cycle. Water is evaporating more quickly, making wet areas wetter and dry areas drier, according to new research.

Top environment stories: Emperor penguins could be extinct in 30 years; China sea levels hit record high; Rich nations must hit climate goals, says Kerry.

Insensitive to climate change, mariculture can build finfish and shellfish farms to increase availability of healthy and sustainable meat, study finds.

The ocean is a critical global resource in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. In 2022, countries must join global treaties to protect it.

Recent floods in Malaysia caused nearly $1.5 billion in widespread destruction. Analysts believe deforestation is contributing to the worsening floods.

This portable unit needs less power to operate than a cell phone charger and could make it much easier for those in resource-poor areas to desalinate water

South Africa is recovering from the biggest natural disaster to hit the country and a just transition to protect lives and livelihoods is its best strategy

Extreme rainfall during the record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season in 2020 was made more intense by human-caused climate change, a new study says.

Scientists from the University of Tasmania’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies have found bleached sponges off the eastern coast of Tasmania.

The ocean and marine mammals could be an overlooked global carbon sink to help tackle climate change, write two experts.

A new paper on supply chains identifies knowledge and stakeholder participation gaps that will impede decision-making on stewardship of deep-sea minerals

Thousands of new RNA viruses have been found in our oceans. One could help scientists to get a better understanding of how early life developed on Earth.

International cooperation is essential to manage the costs and maximize the benefits of adaptation, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, IMF states.

A new study has found that fish routinely chat to one another. It’s another reason why we must urgently prioritize ocean health, experts say.

While scientists believe these sinkholes are the result of longer-term climate cycles, they also note how climate change continues to reshape the Arctic.

They store carbon efficiently, contain more biodiversity than forests and protect against floods and wildfires. So, why aren't wetlands a bigger part of the climate-change discussion?

Wave energy is the most powerful but least developed renewable energy. If harnessed, it could meet much of the world’s electricity needs.

Paint microplastic emissions account for more than half of estimated total annual ocean microplastic leakage and more needs to be done to tackle the issue.

Rising sea levels due to climate change means coastal megacities in poorer countries need to adopt blue-green infrastructure solutions like 'rain gardens'.

For the first time a local scientist has discovered a new species in the Maldives. Researchers have concerns about early commercial interest in the fish.

According to a new 22-month study, three common coral species in Hawaii may be more resilient to rising ocean temperatures than once thought, and could withstand a temperature increase up...

Q&A: Vatosoa Rakotondrazafy talks about her work as coordinator of Mihari, a national marine network that represents the voices of small-scale fishers.

There’s still time to save coral reefs, but we will have to quickly address land-based pollution, overfishing and climate change to have a hope of doing so

During a survey for freshwater fish diversity, scientists discovered two new species of goby fish. But there are concerns they could now become extinct.

There are fuels that can achieve net-zero shipping emissions but scaling up these efforts needs lifecycle analysis, government action and policy frameworks.

An international treaty is needed to help protect the high seas, an area teeming with marine life, yet prone to overfishing and other man-made problems.

Japanese researchers have placed a monitoring device on the heads of Weddell seals to survey the waters in Antarctica, and collect observational data.

United Nations negotiators agreed on a roadmap for a global plastic treaty that would address plastic production and design, as well as waste management.

The latest IPCC Report warns that the window to act to avoid climate catastrophe is closing fast unless urgent action is taken and commitments increased

To tackle marine plastic pollution, it is necessary to solve the problem as far ‘upstream’ as possible.

From 2019-20, 74,000 people visited Antarctica, the majority by ship. The travel and resulting stay produce black carbon that accelerates climate change.

Large shifts in the water cycle mean that dry areas become drier, and wet areas become wetter - meaning more droughts and extreme flooding, warn scientists.

The UpLink Blue Carbon Challenge sourced 12 innovative solutions to harness the potential of blue carbon markets to support conservation and restoration.

Plastics are filling our environment. At the United Nations Environmental Assembly, world leaders must strike a binding agreement to end plastic pollution.

Ocean plastic pollution will increase fourfold unless we curb our use of this ubiquitous but deadly substance says a new study.

Researchers have found that using LED lights on fishing nets could prevent endangered species such as sharks, sea turtles, and rays from being entangled.

Top environment stories: pollution causing more deaths than COVID; US sea levels may rise 60cm by 2050; Spanish village reappears as drought dries reservoir.

Supergenes found in cod have highlighted how they have adapted to overfishing, and scientists say these will make them more resilient to climate change.

80% of the wastewater is discharged untreated into the environment, so the the drugs we use to improve health are finding their way into our rivers.

Research has found that only 16% of the world's coastal regions are in good condition, and there are many so damaged that are beyond full restoration.

Environmental campaigners say efforts by the shipping industry to cut emissions are too slow, but inclusion in the European Union Emissions Trading System could speed it up.