Grey Seal at Farne Islands Mark Kirkland

Enough talk, join us in demanding urgent climate action

2 minute read

As we are enter the last few days of COP26, time for positive action to combat climate change is running out. Join me in demanding that those in power act now - the time for talk is over.

On Monday the UN published a draft document summarising the outcome of the climate talks – but although the ocean is mentioned it's not at the heart of agreed climate actions. This CANNOT be allowed to happen. We must take urgent action now – and we need your help.

The people in power are failing us

This year's Conference of Parties opened with impassioned speeches for urgent action and non-binding announcements. As the talks progressed, we heard from people all over the world who are already feeling the crushing reality of climate change. Just yesterday a report was published predicting that global temperatures will rise an estimated 2.4°C by the end of this century.

At that level our planet, and our future generations will experience the devastating consequences of that temperature change - not least in the widespread extreme weather that will bring.

We're on track to leaving a legacy of rising sea-levels, drought, floods, heatwaves and fiercer storms. Future generations will inherit global devastation from our lack of action.

And that's why I'm asking you to join me in demanding action to tweet those in power. Hundreds have already joined us - now's your chance to be heard.

We're on track to leave a legacy of rising sea-levels, drought, floods, heatwaves and fiercer storms. Future generations will inherit global devastation from our lack of action.
Sandy Luk CEO, Marine Conservation Society

This is a climate emergency – but our seas can help save us

The ocean has already been instrumental in protecting us from the worst effects of climate change. It stores 90% of the world’s heat, harbours 80% of global biodiversity and stores over 25% of global carbon emissions.

And yet, our ocean is being impacted by our lack of action to protect it.

The destruction of coastal and marine ecosystems is already threatening the physical, economic and food security of coastal communities – an estimated 40% of the world's population.

The destruction of coastal and marine ecosystems is already threatening the physical, economic and food security of coastal communities – an estimated 40% of the world's population.
Sandy Luk CEO, Marine Conservation Society

of our carbon emissions are captured and stored by the sea

global climate finance is spent on the ocean

more CO2 is thought to be absorbed by seagrass than rainforests

What can be done? We can fight

A message from Marine Conservation Society CEO, Sandy Luk:

"News from COP26 over the last week has not been good enough – but there is still hope and I am determined not to give up the fight. We must demand that our leaders take urgent action to ensure our ocean is not forgotten as a potential climate change hero.

I know that my colleagues at the Marine Conservation Society feel the same. As a charity, we have tirelessly worked to protect and restore our ocean for over 30 years, researching, recording, campaigning and bearing witness to the quiet power of our seas.

Sandy Luk, CEO Marine Conservation Society

"With careful management, conservation and restoration, our ocean – and our precious marine ecosystems – can be the champion of our future.

"It's so simple: the ocean must be included in the outcome of these crucial climate-focused negotiations."

Enough talk – now is the time to take action

Don't let COP26 close without the ocean being part of global leaders' urgent action plans. Join us in calling for them to #ListenToTheOcean. Together we can make a difference.

Join 100s of people tweeting Boris Johnson PM and COP President Alok Sharma MP asking them to take urgent action to combat climate change.