Ocean-Based Climate Action: The Blue NDC Challenge

Ocean-Based Climate Action is the next frontier in global climate governance. Now 17 nations have united to mainstream ocean-based climate action through the Blue NDC Challenge. Read here to learn more.

The world’s oceans, covering over 70% of Earth’s surface, are central to climate regulation. They absorb nearly 25% of anthropogenic CO₂ and over 90% of excess heat, acting as planetary thermostats.

Yet, oceans remain underrepresented in climate policy, receiving less than 1% of global climate finance. As climate risks intensify, sea-level rise, marine heatwaves, and declining fish stocks, global attention has shifted towards ocean-based climate action as a core pillar of sustainable development.

At COP30, a powerful shift in global climate diplomacy emerged as 17 nations, including France, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Indonesia, and Singapore, joined the Blue NDC Challenge, committing to embed ocean-based climate solutions into their national climate pledges. The move signals recognition of a long-ignored truth: without integrating oceans, the world cannot meet the 1.5°C climate target.

Ocean-Based Climate Action: Why it matters?

1. Carbon Sequestration

• Blue carbon ecosystems, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes store carbon at rates far higher than terrestrial forests.
• Restoring blue carbon ecosystems can reduce emissions while protecting coastlines.

2. Heat and Weather Regulation

• Oceans absorb the majority of excess heat, moderating the temperature rise.
• Ocean warming, however, worsens cyclones, coral bleaching, and biodiversity loss.

3. Livelihoods and Economy

• 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal ecosystems for livelihoods.
• Fisheries, shipping, and coastal tourism are vulnerable to climate shocks.

Key Components of Ocean-Based Climate Action

1. Blue Carbon Ecosystems

• Conservation and restoration of mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.
• These ecosystems provide carbon sinks, storm protection, and biodiversity support.
• Countries are now incorporating them into their NDCs.

2. Sustainable Ocean Food Systems

• Climate-resilient fisheries and aquaculture.
• Reducing overfishing and shifting to low-carbon aquaculture models.

3. Offshore Renewable Energy

• Oceans hold immense potential for:
  • Offshore wind energy
  • Tidal and wave power
• Offshore wind alone can contribute significantly to global net-zero pathways.

4. Decarbonising Global Shipping

• Shipping accounts for ~3% of global CO₂ emissions.
• IMO is pushing for:
  • Zero-emission fuels (green hydrogen, ammonia)
  • Energy-efficient vessels
  • Carbon intensity reduction measures

5. Coastal and Marine Conservation

• Expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
• Protecting coral reefs, hotspots, and migratory species.
• Reducing marine pollution-plastics, chemicals, and oil spills.

6. Nature-Based Coastal Adaptation

• Mangroves and reefs act as natural barriers against erosion and storm surges.
• Essential for climate-risk mitigation in vulnerable coastal regions.

What is the Blue NDC Challenge?

The Blue NDC Challenge is a global initiative encouraging countries to include ocean-based mitigation and adaptation strategies in their Paris Agreement commitments.

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It addresses the “ocean opportunity gap”, the disconnect between oceans’ climate potential and their limited representation in global climate policy.

Objectives:

• Mainstream marine conservation and blue carbon ecosystems into national climate plans
• Accelerate offshore renewables and decarbonise shipping
• Build coastal resilience through science-based adaptation strategies
• Mobilise global finance for marine-based solutions

It is supported by a coalition led by France and Brazil, reflecting their growing leadership in ocean diplomacy.

Key Features of the Initiative

1. Expanded Global Coalition

Seventeen countries now participate, with new members including:

• Belgium
• Canada
• Indonesia
• Singapore

This cross-continental participation strengthens political momentum for ocean-centric climate action.

2. Creation of an Ocean Taskforce

This taskforce, anchored by France and Brazil-helps countries integrate ocean solutions into their updated 2030 NDCs, especially ahead of the next NDC cycle due in 2025-26.

3. The “Blue Package”

A coordinated blueprint covering five ocean breakthrough sectors:

• Marine Conservation & Restoration
• Ocean Food Systems (sustainable fisheries, aquaculture)
• Offshore Renewable Energy (wind, tidal, wave)
• Shipping Decarbonisation
• Coastal & Marine Tourism

This expands climate planning beyond land-based actions.

4. Mitigation & Adaptation Priority

Oceans could deliver up to 35% of the global emissions reductions needed for the 1.5°C pathway. The initiative emphasises:

• mangrove and seagrass restoration,
• blue carbon mapping,
• coastal ecosystem protection,
• clean shipping corridors
• early-warning systems for coastal hazards.

5. Closing the Climate Finance Gap

With less than 1% of global climate finance flowing to ocean-based solutions, the initiative aims to:

• create blue finance frameworks,
• boost multilateral funding,
• mobilise private capital for blue-economy projects, and
• support small island and coastal nations vulnerable to sea-level rise.

6. Blue Carbon Pathways

Blue carbon ecosystems, mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes are among the most efficient carbon sinks on Earth. Many participating nations plan to include:

• national blue carbon inventories,
• carbon credit mechanisms,
• marine protected area (MPA) expansion.

International Frameworks

• UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030)
• High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People
• Global Biodiversity Framework (30×30)

These frameworks promote integrated land–sea climate planning.

Challenges

• Poor Governance & Fragmented Policy: Land-based ministries, fisheries, and environment departments often work in silos.
• Underfunding: Ocean climate finance is <1% of global climate finance, despite huge mitigation potential.
• Vulnerability to Climate Extremes: Marine heatwaves, acidification, coral bleaching are escalating.
• Technological & Data Gaps: Limited monitoring, data, and modelling of marine ecosystems.
• Regulatory Vacuum: High Seas governance is weak; illegal fishing and pollution persist.

India’s Action for Ocean-based climate action

Blue Economy Vision 2030

• Sustainable fisheries
• Coastal ecosystem protection
• Marine spatial planning
• Deep ocean missions for climate research

Key Initiatives

• Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI)
• Deep Ocean Mission
• Sagarmala and coastal resilience measures
• Coral reef restoration at the Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep

Priority Actions for India

• Integrate blue carbon into NDCs
• Expand marine protected areas
• Develop offshore wind potential (especially Gujarat & Tamil Nadu)
• Modernise fishing fleets and reduce overfishing
• Use satellite-based monitoring for coastal vulnerability

Way Forward

• Integrate Oceans into Climate Policy: Oceans must be part of national mitigation strategies and adaptation plans.
• Mobilise Blue Finance: Blended climate finance for Blue carbon restoration, Resilient fisheries, Offshore energy, and Marine conservation
• Strengthen Science-Policy Interface: Invest in ocean observation systems, AI-based marine modelling, and climate-risk mapping.
• Promote Community-Centred Adaptation: Empower coastal communities through- Climate-resilient livelihoods, Early warning systems, and Ecosystem-based coastal protection
• International Cooperation: Joint marine research, surveillance, and climate action across Indo-Pacific nations.

Conclusion

Oceans are no longer peripheral to climate policy; they are central to achieving the 1.5°C goal.

Ocean-based climate action offers powerful pathways for mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable livelihoods.

As nations embrace the Blue Economy, the challenge lies in building governance, financing, and technology frameworks that treat the ocean not as an “afterthought,” but as a frontline climate solution.

With the Blue NDC Challenge gaining momentum, the coming decade may finally witness the global mainstreaming of ocean-centric climate governance, an essential step for a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future.