Encouraging signs in tackling climate change – Part 4

Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox continues his series on some encouraging signs of progress in the last 12 months in the fight against climate change

Marine success: A global agreement designed to protect two thirds of the world’s oceans and reverse damage to marine life became international law last month after two decades of negotiations.

The High Seas Treaty, which received its 60th country ratification by Morocco last year, took effect from January 17 when international waters were placed into marine protected areas.

Before then just 1 per cent of the high seas were protected, leaving marine life in danger of being overexploited.

“It is a monumental achievement,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd at Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park. “It just shows what can be done when countries work together to protect the environment.”

Decades of overfishing, pollution from shipping and warming oceans from climate change have damaged life below the surface.

The treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or BBNJ Treaty, provides a legal framework for protecting marine biodiversity in international waters, including creating ocean sanctuaries.

In the latest assessment of marine species, nearly 10 per cent were found to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Three years ago, countries agreed that 30 per cent of the world’s national and international waters – must be protected by 2030 to help depleted marine life recover.

But the problem is that no one country controls these waters and all nations have a right to fish there.

So, in 2023, countries signed the High Seas Treaty, pledging to put 30 per cent of these waters into Marine Protected Areas.

But it was only able to enforce that if more than 60 nations ratified it and agreed to its legally binding rules.

Now the treaty has come into force, countries will propose areas to be protected, and these will then be voted on by the countries that signed up to the treaty.

Ron pointed out that the ocean is crucial for the survival of all organisms on the planet. It is the largest ecosystem, is estimated to contribute £1.9 trillion to world economies, and provides up to 80 per cent of the oxygen we breathe.

This article raises some important questions, said Ron. Do you think the world is doing enough to protect the oceans? What do you think of the present plans? What more do you think can be done? Send your views to Ron Fox at [email protected]

For more advice on protecting the environment and green energy contact Ron Fox, of Noreus Ltd on 0845 474 6641.

Caption: Waves of success – A global agreement will protect two thirds of the world’s oceans and reverse damage to marine life. Picture: John Butterworth