As a Marine Sciences major and lifelong ocean lover, I was particularly interested in learning about the marine-related aspects at COP29. The ocean plays a critical role in climate adaptation yet is facing some of the worst effects of climate change.
The first event I attended at COP was a panel titled “IUCN’s Great Blue Wall and ODISEA Launch Joint Expedition for Ocean Conservation Solutions”. It included experts in marine conservation from Zanzibar, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. The focus was on expanding the blue economy in a sustainable and just manner. One point that was discussed is providing resources and funding to individuals and communities to bolster their own ocean-friendly livelihoods, such as aquaculture and sustainable fishing. They also discussed the importance of engaging women in all aspects of business and empowering small-scale community action. For this to work, it requires collaboration between researchers, policymakers, businesses, investors, and most importantly, the local people.
Another topic that was brought up throughout COP is the disproportionate effects of climate change on developing island nations. This includes flooding and loss of land due to sea level rise, and increased storm damage. The effects are more difficult to prepare for and recover from due to insufficient money and resources available to developing island nations. A panelist from St. Helena discussed the difficulty of receiving international support such as UN grants as a territory of a more developed country. At the same time, governments often do not provide adequate help for their own island territories. Another issue, specific to the Marshall Islands, was brought up: a radioactive containment dome holding the remnants of US nuclear weapon testing. The dome is currently leaking, and its collapse will be hastened in a major storm or with sufficient sea level rise, which is particularly likely considering its low-lying ocean front location. This is just one of many examples highlighting the interminable consequences of military activities, and its compounding effect with environmental injustice.
In downtown Baku, there was an exhibit about marine animal destruction. The exhibit focused on shark, dolphin, and whale hunting, showing some gruesome photos. There was also a life-size model of a beached whale lying beside the Caspian Sea. This was the only public exhibit that I saw in Baku related to COP. While I appreciate that this brought to light some serious issues, it is just as important to note what the exhibit did not show. There was no mention of climate change, ocean acidification, or oil spills, which are some of the worst effects on the ocean. Petroleum exportation is the main economic driver of Azerbaijan, so it is likely the government did not want a display the harmful effects of oil to its citizens. Showing the heart-wrenching killing of charismatic animals in foreign countries distracts from the oil industry’s role as an ocean killer.
Overall, I appreciated learning about the ocean-related issues at COP, and the work currently being done, and that must be done, to solve these problems. However, I believe more emphasis should have been placed on the ocean, especially considering its critical position in the climate crisis.
Kamala Chuss is a Marine Science major in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.