Africa: Ocean's Ability to Absorb Carbon Is Weakening As Climate Change Intensifies, UN Warns

What the report says

A new UN-backed report says the ocean’s role as a carbon sink is weakening as climate change intensifies. According to the UN News report carried by AllAfrica, the ocean absorbs about 30% of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions and most excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases, but its capacity to take up carbon has already fallen by roughly 6%. The findings were released ahead of the COP31 climate conference in November.

The report was prepared by the UN Environment Programme and the UN climate secretariat, UNFCCC. Lead author Sara Traerup said warming waters and changes in ocean chemistry, circulation and ecosystems are reducing the sea’s ability to store carbon, which could leave more CO₂ in the atmosphere. The report also points to major gaps in ocean data, especially in the Southern and Indian Oceans, the Arctic and many coastal areas.

To address that gap, the UN report calls for stronger “ocean carbon intelligence,” combining science, technology, data and local knowledge. It highlights three areas: monitoring systems, blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes, and marine carbon dioxide removal, which it says remains uncertain and needs more research and regulation.

The report also emphasizes support for Small Island Developing States, which contribute little to global emissions but face severe climate risks. It cites examples from Seychelles and several Pacific islands where financing, mapping and training have supported marine conservation and blue carbon planning.