With the world facing a mounting health and environmental emergency from plastic pollution, Swedish water tech and beverage innovator, Bluewater, is issuing an urgent call to action: if governments cannot or won’t lead, the people must.
Plastic waste pollution in the Philippines
Ahead of the UN Global Plastic Treaty negotiations in Geneva this August and the current 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June 9–13), Bluewater says the issue needs a powerful international coalition of citizens, scientists, health experts, NGOs, and responsible businesses to confront the plastic crisis head-on.
“Plastic pollution isn’t just a planetary threat – it’s a human health catastrophe,” said Bengt Rittri, founder and CEO of Bluewater. “We need bold, binding action to ban toxic plastic chemicals and end the era of fossil-fuel-based single-use plastic bottles. If governments fail to act, consumers must rise and lead.”
Over 600 billion single-use plastic bottles are produced annually, most ending up in landfills or the ocean. Now, groundbreaking research reveals that even so-called “biodegradable” plastics`’ are unsafe: a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that PLA microplastics can enter the metabolic system of gut bacteria, potentially triggering diseases like diabetes and inflammatory bowel syndrome.
“This isn’t a distant problem – it’s already in our bodies,” Rittri added. “We must mobilise together now or risk irreversible damage to human health and marine ecosystems.”
Bluewater welcomes the UN Ocean Conference’s theme – “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors” – and champions alternatives to single-use plastic bottles through cutting-edge water purification solutions for home, work, and play.
World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has disclosed that the mpox upsurge continues to meet the criteria of a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) set forth in the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Photo credit: AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI / Getty Images
The announcement follows the fourth meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox, held on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
The Committee, recognising progress in the capacity to respond in certain countries, advised the Director-General that the event continues to constitute a PHEIC, based on the continuing rise in the number of cases, including a recent increase in West Africa, and likely ongoing undetected transmission in some countries beyond the African continent.
Ongoing operational challenges in responding to the event, including concerning surveillance and diagnostics, as well as a lack of funding make prioritising response interventions challenging and require continued international support.
The Director-General concurred with the Committee’s advice.
The Director-General also concurred with and issued the Committee’s revised temporary recommendations to Member States experiencing mpox outbreaks. The recommendations guide countries’ efforts to prevent and control the spread of the disease.
The full report of the fourth meeting will be issued next week.
The upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighbouring countries was first determined to be a public health emergency of international concern by the Director-General on August 14, 2024. Since then, the Emergency Committee has met on three additional occasions, each time advising the Director-General that the event continues to constitute a PHEIC.
The list of members and advisors of the IHR Emergency Committee and previous statements are available here.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Common symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
The disease can be transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or infected animals. Treatment primarily focuses on relieving symptoms.
A collectiveof United Nations agencies and global partners on Sunday, June 8, 2025, launched the co-design process for One Ocean Finance – a bold new effort to unlock billions in new financing from ocean-dependent industries and blue economy sectors.
Ocean economy: A coastline in Africa
By channeling these underutilised capital flows through an agile, scalable, and fit-for-purpose global platform, One Ocean Finance seeks to deliver triple-win outcomes: accelerating industry transition, restoring ocean health, and supporting resilient coastal communities.
At its core, the Call for Engagement invites all sectors – governments, industry, finance, and civil society – to come together in shaping a more coherent and inclusive ocean finance architecture, one that reflects the true value of the ocean as a global asset.
Despite the ocean’s central role in global trade, food security, climate regulation, and livelihoods, Sustainable Development Goal 14 remains the least funded, with less than $10 billion invested between 2015 and 2019 – far short of the estimated $175 billion needed annually.
To address this widening finance gap, One Ocean Finance seeks to mobilise new and diverse sources of capital, especially from ocean-linked sectors, and deploy them through blended financial instruments that can de-risk innovation and unlock private investment.
Announced at the Blue Economy Finance Forum in Monaco and carried forward to the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the Call for Engagement invites Member States, private sector leaders, financial institutions, and civil society to participate in an open and inclusive dialogue to shape this global finance mechanism, with a view toward launch at the Fourth UN Ocean Conference in 2028.
“This collaborative process will bring together governments, financial institutions, ocean industries, the United Nations, and civil society to collectively shape a new financial future for the ocean,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme. “Through the development of One Ocean Finance, our goal is to address decades of chronic underinvestment, consolidate fragmented efforts, and design a system that is equitable, agile, and responsive to the needs of coastal communities and marine ecosystems.”
One Ocean Finance is being advanced by a multi-agency collective including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO-IOC), the United Nations Global Compact, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the World Resources Institute (WRI), among others.
It aims to complement existing funds, reduce fragmentation, and align financial flows with ocean health, economic opportunity, and coastal resilience – especially for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
“The ocean regulates our climate, feeds billions, and powers global trade, yet it is undervalued, underfunded, and overexploited. We need to redesign ocean finance – grounded in equity, guided by science, and powered by the potential of ocean-dependent industries. One Ocean Finance represents a movement toward systems-level transformation, enabling fairer, faster, and larger-scale financing – mobilising public and private capital to restore marine ecosystems and deliver justice to the communities who depend on them,” stated UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner.
The Call for Engagement reflects a shared commitment to co-designing afit-for-purpose facilitythat delivers triple-win outcomes for people, planet, and prosperity. Once operational, One Ocean Finance will draw the majority of its capital from ocean-dependent industries – such as shipping, tourism, ports, marine cables, and insurance – through such mechanisms as user fees, solidarity levies, ecosystem service payments, and dynamic pricing models. The Facility is being structured to deploy the full suite of financial instruments and innovative de-risking tools needed to unlock investment at scale and deliver equitable, high-impact solutions.
“Today’s ocean finance remains too fragmented, too inequitable, and too slow to meet the urgency of the moment,” said Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Secretary of UNCDF, the UN’s capital providing fund, which serves first and foremost least development countries and other vulnerable nations, as set out by the UN General Assembly resolution of 1974.
“Through this co-design process, we are shaping a purpose-built platform that delivers catalytic grants, patient capital for local innovators, and blended finance to crowd in private investment. One Ocean Finance will accelerate the sustainable transition of industries, drive climate-smart innovation, and empower the communities working to protect and restore ocean ecosystems,” added Kurukulasuriya.
“Science must guide ocean action. Data must guide ocean investments.” said Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. “A One Ocean Finance Facility would offer an opportunity to embed the health and natural capital of the ocean into financial systems, ensuring decisions are based on robust data in support of a regenerative and resilient ocean.”
“Ocean-dependent industries must be part of the solution,” said Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact. “One Ocean Finance presents an opportunity to build stronger public-private partnerships that accelerate sustainable transitions, decouple growth from degradation, align business practices with ocean stewardship, and unlock triple-win investments – for resilient industries, thriving coastal communities, and a healthy ocean.”
“Coastal and marine tourism must evolve to support sustainability, not undermine it,” said Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. “Through the One Ocean Finance Facility, we can accelerate investments that decouple tourism growth from environmental degradation and uplift local communities.”
“One Ocean Finance is a step toward systemic change,” said Minna Epps, Global Ocean Policy Director, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). “The co-design process offers a rare opportunity to rethink how global finance can drive nature-positive outcomes, strengthen coastal resilience, and deliver equity for the communities most affected by ocean degradation. If we act boldly now, we can chart a course toward a more just and regenerative ocean economy.”
“A sustainable ocean economy has the potential to create 51 million new jobs by 2050, but it can only thrive with smarter, more equitable financing,” said Cynthia Barzuna, Deputy Director of the Ocean Programme, World Resources Institute. “One Ocean Finance is an invaluable chance to align capital flows with nature-positive outcomes – ensuring investments reduce risks, support emissions reductions, boost resilience and create jobs – benefitting the most vulnerable coastal communities.”
An NGO, Lagos Beach Cleaners, has urged residents of Badagry to imbibe environmental responsibility in protecting marine ecosystems.
Lagos Beach Cleaners and some volunteers after a cleanup exercise at Gberefu Beach in Badagry on Monday
The Founder, Mr. Israel Bonu, gave the advice during a cleanup exercise by the team at Gberefu Beach in Badagry on Monday, June 9, 2025, to commemorate the 2025 World Oceans Day marked annually on June 8.
According to Bonu, an environmental advocate, the responsibility will enable residents to have a clean and conducive environment.
“The initiative is aimed at raising awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and coastal communities, while promoting sustainable environmental practices.
“Our goal is to inspire a new culture of environmental responsibility, where every individual understands their role in protecting marine ecosystems,” he said.
Speaking during the cleanup, Bonu expressed gratitude to the volunteers and local villagers, who joined in the effort.
Bonu emphasised that World Oceans Day presented an opportunity to reflect on the health of the world’s oceans and take action to protect them.
He noted that Lagos Beach Cleaners was established with the mission to preserve the state’s coastal environment through regular cleanups, environmental education, and community engagement.
Also speaking, Dr Sewhude Akande, the foundation’s Director of Media, said the activity was not just about cleaning the beach, but fostering a lasting commitment to ocean conservation.
The cleanup exercise concluded with a brief sensitisation session, where participants were reminded of the long-term impact of indiscriminate waste disposal and the importance of reducing single-use plastics.
World Oceans Day highlights the vital role oceans play in sustaining life on earth and calls for global action to protect marine environments.
The President of Akwa Ibom Women Association (AIWA), Houston Chapter, U.S., has inaugurated a 7.5 kilowatts Solar Power System at the Child’s Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
Renewable energy: Solar panels
The association President, Mrs. Mercy Odungide, while inaugurating the project at Ikot Afaha in Eket Local Government Area on Monday, June 9, 2025, said the children would no longer witness power outages during their academic work in the centre.
She said the project would bring joy, hope and blessings to the inhabitants of the facility to the Glory of God and upliftment of their well-being.
She charged the staff of the CRARN to use the project judiciously and guide against vandalism in the area.
“Take ownership of the project and guide against any act of vandalism in the area,” she said.
Odungide said the association had inaugurated projects across the state, adding that the solar power system in Eket, was to crown it all.
“I want to thank the association, Houston chapter, for standing strong, together and firm, it wouldn’t be possible for us to give light, hope and future to the children,” she said.
In his remarks, Mr. Sam Itauma, the President/Chief Executive Officer of CRARN, said that the project would illuminate a future for the children.
“A future where hope shines brighter, where possibilities are limitless and where the children of the centre would live and learn in dignity,” he said.
Itauma also said the project would take a monumental step towards sustainability.
“No longer will these children sit in darkness when the sunset. No longer will their education be disrupted by power outages. No longer will their daily lives be dictated by the instability of conventional energy sources.
“This is not just an energy project; it is empowerment. It is a freedom. It is a promise that these children deserve the same opportunity as every other child in this state, in this country, and beyond,” Itauma said.
He expressed appreciation to the AIWA, Houston chapter, U.S. for their unwavering commitment to humanity, saying that the association’s compassion has translated into action.
“Because of you, the children of the CRARN will wake up each day with the power to dream, to learn and to thrive,” Itauma said.
The wife of Eket Council Chairman, Mrs. Maryann Tommey, commended the ingenuity of the association for their kind gesture and unwavering commitment to installed solar power system at the CRARN centre in Eket.
She said the association’s action has proven their love for their immediate community in spite of their geographical location.
Tommey represented by the Vice Chairman of the Council, Mrs. Inyang Akpawan, said the AIWA has given hope of a brighter future to the children at the CRARN centre.
“Today will be a day of remembrance as children of this community will never forget what you have done for them,” she said.
Tommey thanked the association for bringing light to the community, adding that light would bright the centre and brings progress to the area.
“When there is light, there is innovation. When there is light good things come in. When there is light you see the people very happy,” she said.
She said that the association has invested to give light to the children, adding that God would increase their pockets and take care of their own children too.
Tommey encouraged the AIWA to attract more development projects to Eket Local Government Area as the it remains very peaceful for investment opportunities.
The Federal Government of Nigeria is exploring increased cooperation in blue economy development, marine conservation, and capacity building across West and Central Africa.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola
Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stated this on Monday, June 9, 2025, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola.
Oyetola is representing President Bola Tinubu at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration among technical experts and institutional leaders to boost the blue economy sector in Africa.
According to Oyetola, this will support development, conservation, and capacity building across the West and Central African sub-region.
“Nigeria remains committed to protecting and sustainably managing ocean resources.
“We will continue to drive inclusive, science-based, and economically viable solutions for the ocean economy,” Oyetola said.
He added that coordinated global action is urgently needed to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable ocean resource use.
Oyetola called for faster transition to a resilient ocean economy and increased funding for SDG-14 targets.
He stressed the need to align marine science with policymaking to safeguard the planet’s largest ecosystem.
He further urged global commitment to expanding marine protected areas.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to global engagement and international partnerships for innovation, investment, and sustainable marine practices.
The Participatory Approach to Climate and Environmental Protection (PACE), a group, has called for stronger climate policies and greater public involvement toward mitigating the challenges of climate change.
Mr. Auwalu Hamza, the Kano State team lead of PACE
Mr. Auwalu Hamza, the Kano State team lead of the organisation, made the call on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Kano in an interview.
He was speaking in commemoration of the 2025 World Environment Day.
Hamza said although experts had continued to highlight the importance of the day, it remained a reminder that addressing climate change should not be left to government alone.
“Mitigating climate change is a collective responsibility.
“Government must play its part by enacting and enforcing sound policies and regulations, as well as building effective institutions,” he said.
According to Hamza, the private sector and individuals also have significant roles to play in tackling climate challenges.
“Individuals must take ownership of the issue because climate change directly affects their health, livelihoods and general well-being,” he added.
Hamza stressed the need to build resilient systems that would strengthen democratic institutions and promote inclusive economic growth.
He said that PACE, in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), operates at the intersection of governance and climate, supporting Nigeria’s response to climate-related challenges.
Hamza explained that the day was a timely reminder of the shared responsibility in protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable future.
In a related development, a non-governmental organisation, Standup for Women Society (SWS), Rivers Chapter, has urged residents to strive for zero plastic pollution in the state.
The South-South Vice President, SWS, Mrs. Anne Anyaka, made the call during a sensitisation programme of the group to commemorate the 2025 World Environment Day in Port Harcourt, on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Anyaka emphasised the importance of the theme of the day “Beat Plastic Pollution” citing proper waste disposal as a key to zero environmental pollution in the country.
She said the programme was aimed at educating drivers, passengers and hair stylists doing business at the Abali Indigenous Park on proper way of disposing waste without polluting the drainages, sea ways and ocean.
“Our aim is to educate women and park users on proper waste disposal methods, particularly non-biodegradable items like plastics.
“We are raising awareness on the negative impact of improper waste disposal on the environment, such as suffocating the fishes and other aquatic lives in the sea, and blocking of drainages.
“Research has it that we will have more plastic than fishes in our oceans by the year 2050; this news is not good at all because it means food insecurity and scarcity of aquatic habitats, and more casualties on sea transportation.
“We are sweeping and packing the waste into the waste disposal bags to show them how to dispose the plastic cans, nylon and waste artificial hair products without blocking our seas and drainages,” she said.
Anyaka said that the women were excited about the outreach, but noted their challenges which include lack of waste disposal cans or bags to park the waste.
“They have told us that they need permanent waste disposal cans.
“We will plan for the provision in our next outreach, but we are calling on the park management to provide alternative waste disposal bags for their use.
“We believe that this outreach will make positive impact in the lives of the citizens who use the park for business because cleanliness and environmental sustainability is the key to zero environmental pollution,” she said.
Mrs. Ednah Adigwe, the Chairperson, SWS, Rivers Chapter, commended the women hair stylists at the park for being independent, and useful to the society.
She enjoined them not to allow anyone undermine them, or make them feel inferior whether in their homes or work places.
She advised them to speak out against abuse and exploitation, with the assurance that the association would provide support and advocacy.
“We are here to also ask for your support to help keep our environment clean and safe for all.
“If you maintain the culture of cleaning, this park will be clean and healthy for your stay,” she said.
Adigwe, on behalf of the group, presented brooms, dust packs, disposal bags and hand gloves to the women for the cleaning of their business environment.
Responding, Silvia Ubani, one of the Abali Indigenous Park Women Executives, expressed gratitude to the SWS Rivers Chapter for promoting environmental awareness at their businesses area.
Ubani said that the importance of maintaining a clean environment cannot be overemphasised.
She pledged on behalf of the women to join in the campaign against plastic pollution in the state and country at large.
Meanwhile, Nestlé Nigeria Plc has intensified efforts to ensure environmental sustainability with a nationwide clean-up and sensitisation campaign to commemorate the 2025 World Environment Day.
The commitment was made in a statement by the founder of the African Clean-Up Initiative, Dr Alex Akhigbe.
The statement was issued by the Lead for Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability, Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka, on Monday in Lagos.
Akhigbe said the exercise was held simultaneously across 11 cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Sagamu, Ibadan, Agbara, Abaji, Enugu, Awka and Port Harcourt.
He said the initiative was carried out in collaboration with the African Clean-Up Initiative and the local government partners.
“The clean-up activities targeted major market areas with high levels of foot traffic and waste generation such as Oke-Arin Market in Lagos, Utako Market in Abuja and Abubakar Rimi Market in Kano, among others.
“The campaign resulted in the removal of 5,601 kilogrammes of solid waste and 379.2 kilogrammes of recyclable waste, underscoring the impact of community-based waste management efforts,” he said.
The founder said the initiative aligns with the 2025 World Environment Day theme: “Curbing Plastic Pollution.”
“At Nestlé, our commitment to tackling plastic waste is a key part of our vision for a waste-free future.
“We are working with partners such as the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance and recyclers, including Alef Recycling, Wecyclers, Chanja Datti, and Maladase Ecopreneurs Management Ltd. to enhance the plastics value chain.
“Our Employee Plastics Collection Scheme, introduced in 2022, has diverted over 5,900 kilogrammes of plastic waste from landfills. Since 2019, our initiatives have retrieved over 61,000 metric tonnes of plastic from the environment,” he said.
He said the partnership with Nestlé Nigeria highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing environmental sustainability.
“This goes beyond clean-up. It is about instilling a culture of environmental responsibility and building a circular economy.
“Every piece of plastic removed, every engagement made, is a step toward protecting our planet.
“This reflects a broader sustainability agenda, combining operational responsibility with community engagement to foster environmental awareness and action at the grassroots level.
“Nestlé Cares is the firm’s employee volunteering programme designed to promote social and environmental impact through community service.
“Through various projects, Nestlé Cares empowers employees to make a positive impact in their local communities,” he said.
By Muhammad Nur Tijani, Precious Akutamaduand Olaitan Idris
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has reiterated its commitment to protecting its coastline and building a safer and resilient friendly environment for future generations.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said this at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
“Lagos as a coastal state, faces severe climate risks from rising sea levels, extreme rainfall, and excessive heat. But we are not sitting back. We are building resilient infrastructure.
“So, as a state, we must face our realities and those realities are that we must build resilient infrastructure which is key and we must also take ownership of those infrastructure which is very key,” he said.
Wahab said the state in the past two years had invested in its drainage systems to reduce the possibilities of flash flooding.
“At the last count, in the past two years, we have as an administration done about 76 kilometres of trapezoidal drainage system statewide,” he said.
Wahab noted that the state, with over 13,000 tonnes of daily waste generation, was moving from a linear disposal system to a circular model where waste becomes a resource for energy and recovery.
He stated that the state was transforming the way it managed plastic waste.
“This is by religiously following a trajectory that had already banned the use of styrofoam food containers and moving on to effect the enforcement of its ban on single use plastics from July 1 after 18 months moratorium to users and producers.
“In the last two years, we have chosen to categorise waste as a resource.
“So, we have transitioned from a pick and dump system to a more sustainable climate friendly system where waste is now a resource for wealth and a resource for energy,” Wahab stressed.
The Munga Dosso Community in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba has appealed to the state government to ensure strict enforcement of its anti-open grazing law to address herders and farmers conflict in the state.
Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State
Mr. Robert Bukar, Youth Leader of the community, made the appeal on Monday, June 9, 2025, while briefing newsmen in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
The Munga Dosso community has come under an attack recently by suspected herders, where scores were killed and property worth millions of naira were destroyed.
Bukar noted that the bill was signed into law by the former Gov. Darius Ishaku in 2018.
He said that the enforcement of the law would address the lingering farmers/herders conflict.
He also decried absence of government’s representatives to the crisis affected community.
The youth leader also said that the community was left to it faith at the time its 12 members were killed by suspected herders and were given mass burial.
“Notably, no government representatives from federal, state, or local levels visited the community after this incident.
“We have a senator, a house of representatives member, a state assembly member, yet non deemed it necessary to visit us and to listen to our lamentations.
“As a peace-loving community, we always report all incidents and seek assistance from security agencies.
“However, we were disappointed by the lack of government representation at the mass burial, where officials failed to commiserate with our people.
“It is true that the state government sent relief materials to the victims, but relief materials is not our problem. We expected their solidarity at the time.
“The aftermath of such violence has tragically resulted in not only fatalities but also a significant number of injuries and displacements.
“It has led to a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention. Families are left to mourn their loved ones, while survivors grapple with trauma and insecurity.
“Access to essential resources has become increasingly challenging, complicating efforts for community stability.
“Moreover, in all these, our people are often arrested and from police station to prison but none of the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“It is only in the recent crisis that the herders were arrested with assaulted rifles by the police in Karim-Lamido but were released the next day,” Bukar said.
The youth leader also appealed to government to increase security deployment to allow farmers to safely return to their farms.
Bukar also requested Taraba government to ensure that the recently constituted administrative committee of enquiry carry out a thorough investigation to apprehend and punish the perpetrators of the recent attacks.
Statement from Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management for the Republic of Vanuatu
Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology & Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management for the Republic of Vanuatu
At this UN Ocean Conference, the stakes could not be clearer.
Vanuatu’s contributions to climate change are minimal, yet we – and our neighbours – suffer severe repeated climate impacts that devastate our economy and people. We are living through the collapse of ocean stability and witnessing a dangerous acceleration in sea-level rise and ocean temperatures.
Our oceans are increasingly hostile even to the very creatures that live in them. The consequences of this will ripple through the entire food chain, hitting vulnerable countries like Vanuatu the hardest and ultimately affecting all of humanity and future generations. The role of our ocean as our greatest carbon sink is being threatened.
The Nice Ocean Action Plan aligns with the standards set by the landmark International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) Advisory Opinion delivered in May 2024, which made it clear: greenhouse gas emissions are marine pollution. And under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, all States are legally bound to prevent, reduce, and control them. This obligation extends not only to domestic emissions but to global ones as well.
Even so, plans like these are voluntary. Promises without enforcement. Declarations without duty.
Protecting the ocean from climate change should not be a matter of choice. We need concrete mechanisms and independent monitoring to ensure that nations uphold their legal responsibilities. Conferences like this one, and the upcoming COP30, must not leave frontline nations feeling that nothing is changing – despite the overwhelming urgency.
It is time to move beyond voluntary pledges to making climate action a binding legal duty. Climate action must be grounded in a robust framework of legal principles: human rights, the right to self-determination, the duty to prevent harm, precautionary approaches, intergenerational equity, and obligations enshrined in key international treaties – from the Biodiversity Convention to the UNFCCC to the Law of the Sea.
That’s why we eagerly await the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion on the broader climate obligations of nations, in hopes of a strong ruling supporting global accountability for the climate crisis and enforceable climate action.
It’s time for States to catch up with the law, with the science, and with the urgency of this moment.
