The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change
BFI Southbank (Screen room NTF3), Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT
About this Event
The ocean is one of our most powerful allies in tackling climate change. It absorbs more than 90% of the excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions and locks away large amounts of carbon through natural processes. Yet, ocean-based climate solutions still receive far too little attention in global climate policies and funding.
In 2023, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, a group of 18 world leaders, published The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change: Updated Opportunities for Action. This report highlights seven key areas where ocean-based solutions can make a significant difference, including offshore renewable energy and cleaner shipping, as well as the restoration of blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses. It also explores the potential of sustainable seafood, seabed carbon storage, scaling down offshore oil and gas, and new marine carbon removal technologies. Together, these solutions could eliminate between 4 and 14 gigatons of greenhouse gases in 2050, the upper range of which would be approximately equivalent to four times the 2021 emissions of the 27 EU member states.
This London Climate Action Week session will present key findings from the report and highlight practical progress across sectors, drawing on perspectives from government, industry, and civil society. Panel discussion with leading industry experts , followed by the UK premiere of “Antarctica: The Giant Awakens”, a new film by award-winning director Liz Courtney.
About the film:
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Liz Courtney and edited by Oscar-winner Karin Steiniger, this documentary follows scientists in Antarctica as they investigate ocean temperature shifts, airborne molecules, and glacier melt. Their groundbreaking research reveals the continent’s accelerating transformation and raises a pressing question– is Antarctica the Giant Waking up, and could it be the biggest existential threat to climate change in the world due to sea level rise? The film was launched New York Climate Week in 2024 and Climate Week Australia 2024 and now premiers at London Climate Action Week 2025.
Director Liz Courtney, Awarded Women Changing the World in Media 2024 in London for her work in climate communication.
A short Q&A session with the Australian filmmaker will follow the screening.
This event will highlight the science, policy, and financial pathways necessary to accelerate the ocean’s contribution to climate mitigation and adaptation at the pace and scale required by the climate emergency.
Join us to explore the science, showcase real-world progress, and discuss how to better integrate ocean-based solutions into global climate ambition.
Monday 23rd June from 15:00 to 17:00 BST at the BFI Southbank (Room NTF3)
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Amalia Sudijono at amalia.sudijono@wri.org
Ocean Program, World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute (WRI) Ocean Program advances science-based solutions to protect and restore the world’s ocean while ensuring a sustainable blue economy that supports people, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Through data-driven research, policy advocacy, and global partnerships, we empower decision-makers to tackle challenges such as ocean pollution, sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. Our work helps governments, businesses, and communities drive action toward a healthier, more resilient ocean that benefits both nature and society.
Join us in creating a future where ocean health and human prosperity thrive together.
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