The ocean needs our help

Our ocean has not only shaped cultures, stirred imaginations, and inspired wonder across the ages. It supplies the air we breathe, the food we eat, the jobs we need, and the climate we count on.

But today, the ocean needs our help. The distress signals are clear — from plastic-choked waters to collapsing fish populations and loss of marine ecosystems, from rising temperatures to rising seas.

We must sustain what sustains us.

The illusion that the ocean can absorb limitless emissions and waste must end.

We must invest massively in science, conservation and the sustainable blue economy — and extend far greater support to coastal communities, Indigenous Peoples and Small Island Developing States already bearing the brunt of climate change.

And we must protect marine biodiversity, reject practices that inflict irreversible damage, and deliver on the promise of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement.

The United Nations Ocean Conference that begins tomorrow will be a crucial moment to advance these priorities and renew the world’s collective promise to the ocean.

I urge all governments and partners to deliver — with ambition, resources and resolve.

This World Environment Day focuses on solutions to beat plastic pollution.

And rightly so.

Plastic pollution is choking our planet — harming ecosystems, well-being, and the climate.

Plastic waste clogs rivers, pollutes the ocean, and endangers wildlife.

And as it breaks-down into smaller and smaller parts, it infiltrates every corner of Earth: from the top of Mount Everest, to the depths of the ocean; from human brains; to human breastmilk.

Yet there is a movement for urgent change.

We are seeing mounting public engagement…

Steps towards reusability and greater accountability…

And policies to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management.

But we must go further, faster.

In two months, countries will come together to hammer-out a new global treaty to end plastic pollution.

We need an ambitious, credible and just agreement this year.

One that covers the life-cycle of