The world must strengthen its understanding of the ocean’s carbon system to safeguard one of the planet’s most important climate allies, according to the UN’s 2026 Climate Technology Progress Report released on October 28, 2026, in Copenhagen, as outlined in a press release by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The report introduces Ocean Carbon Intelligence, a framework linking ocean science, monitoring technologies, data infrastructure, and analytical tools to improve understanding of ocean carbon dynamics. It calls for sustained investment to close critical knowledge gaps and support evidence-based climate action. The framework aims to strengthen climate decision-making as interest in ocean-based solutions grows. The findings arrive as governments, researchers, and investors increasingly turn to the ocean for climate responses.
The report was produced by the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre in collaboration with the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Technology Executive Committee (TEC). According to the document, the ocean absorbs around 30 per cent of human-induced carbon dioxide emissions and approximately 90 per cent of excess heat generated by climate change. However, rising temperatures, acidification, deoxygenation, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are disrupting the ocean processes that enable this climate-regulating function. Growing scientific evidence indicates that warming and other pressures are altering the physical, chemical, and biological processes underpinning the ocean’s role as a carbon sink. The report warns that climate change is already affecting the ocean’s ability to absorb and store carbon.
As one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, the ocean absorbs substantial amounts of human-caused carbon dioxide. Yet warming waters and changes in ocean chemistry are placing this function under increasing pressure. These shifts could weaken the ocean’s ability to store carbon and support climate stability in the future. Major gaps in ocean observations, data systems, and scientific understanding continue to limit the ability of governments and investors to assess climate risks. The report identifies these gaps as central obstacles to informed decision-making.
“A weaker ocean carbon sink leaves more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and makes climate goals harder and more costly to achieve. The ocean has helped buy humanity time in the fight against climate change. We cannot afford to take that role for granted,” said Martin Krause, Director, Climate Change Division at UNEP.
The Honorable Inia Seruiratu MP, Pacific Climate Envoy for the Ocean at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), also stressed the need for action.
“As Pacific COP31 Envoy for the Ocean, I believe we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to place the ocean where it belongs: at the heart of global climate action,” he said.
He added that this will require bold leadership, stronger partnerships, and sustained investment.
The report highlights both the opportunities and limitations of ocean-based climate technologies, including blue carbon ecosystem restoration and emerging marine carbon dioxide removal approaches. It emphasizes that these technologies can complement, not replace, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Such approaches must be guided by strong science, transparency, environmental safeguards, and effective governance.