The planet is facing the triple crises of climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres told the recent One Ocean Summit, warning that “the ocean shoulders much of the burden.” As the ocean serves as a giant carbon and heat sink, it is growing warmer and more acidic, causing its ecosystems to suffer. “Polar ice is melting and global weather patterns are changing,” the UN chief said in his video message to the conference, which took place in the northern French coastal city of Brest.

World must protect seas from climate crisis. (2022, February 20). Daily Tribune, p. B16.