The Blue NDC Challenge, launched at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, aims to harness the power of the ocean to combat climate change. This initiative brings together nations to consider marine avenues for climate regulation, such as conserving and restoring mangrove forests and seagrass meadows.
- These ecosystems are crucial for absorbing carbon dioxide and excess heat caused by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- They also support biodiversity and provide livelihoods for communities that depend on the ocean.
The Paris Agreement, signed by 196 countries, requires nation-states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions every five years. However, many countries, including Australia, have missed earlier deadlines.
| Nation | NDC for 2035 | Deadline for submission |
| Australia | Needs to be submitted by September 30, 2023 | Missed the deadline |
| Brazil | Needs to be submitted by November 30, 2023 | Met the deadline |
| France | Needs to be submitted by November 30, 2023 | Met the deadline |
Despite missing the deadline, Australia has joined the Blue NDC Challenge, along with Brazil, France, Fiji, Kenya, Mexico, Palau, and the Republic of Seychelles. “We acknowledge the links being drawn between the Paris agreement and the ocean program this year, as we approach a decade of the Paris agreement,” said Minister for the Environment, Senator Watt. “This commitment sends an important signal, but unless it’s backed by action, including a clear plan to phase out offshore oil and gas, it risks being just another PR commitment without teeth,” said Louise Morris, fossil fuels campaign manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society. The voluntary challenge invites countries to consider the expansion of ocean energy, including offshore wind, and phasing out offshore oil and gas industries.
“Signing the Blue NDC sends an important signal – but unless it’s backed by action, including a clear plan to phase out offshore oil and gas, it risks being just another PR commitment without teeth,”
said Louise Morris, highlighting the importance of tangible commitments over symbolic gestures. The progress on the high seas treaty has also been logged at the third UN Ocean Conference, hosted by France and Costa Rica. French President Emmanuel Macron expects the 60 necessary ratifications to come through in time for the treaty to come into force by January 2026. “We are committed to protecting the world’s oceans and seas, and we will not rest until they are safe and healthy for future generations,” said President Macron. The Labor government has pledged to ratify the treaty as a priority in its second term. Australia’s commitment to the Blue NDC Challenge is an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. said Senator Watt. “This commitment demonstrates Australia’s leadership in the global effort to address climate change and protect the ocean’s role in regulating the Earth’s climate.”
Other commitments from Senator Watt on his first overseas venture as environment minister include better protecting Australian marine biodiversity. “I am committed to ensuring that our oceans are protected and preserved for future generations, and that we take action to address the impacts of climate change on our marine ecosystems.” said Senator Watt. The Blue NDC Challenge is an important initiative that highlights the crucial role of the ocean in regulating the Earth’s climate.
- Joining the Blue NDC Challenge, along with seven other nations.
- Considering marine avenues for climate regulation, such as conserving and restoring mangrove forests and seagrass meadows.
- Expanding ocean energy, including offshore wind, and phasing out offshore oil and gas industries.
- Ratifying the high seas treaty to establish marine parks in international waters.
The ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and excess heat caused by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere makes it a crucial component in the fight against climate change. “The ocean plays a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations,” said Senator Watt. “We must take action to address the impacts of climate change on our marine ecosystems and protect the ocean’s role in regulating the Earth’s climate.” The ocean’s importance in climate regulation cannot be overstated, and Australia’s commitment to the Blue NDC Challenge is an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
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