DELIVERING OCEAN-CLIMATE ACTION
To accelerate action, the Ocean Breakthroughs Dashboard tracks progress towards five science-based targets for 2030 across Marine Conservation, Renewable Energy, Shipping, Aquatic Food, and Coastal Tourism. If all the Breakthrough targets are achieved, these five ocean-based sectors could help cut emissions by up to 35% by 2050—that's more than a third of the cuts we desperately need to keep climate change in check.
Each target has practical, achievable measures that can be taken now to cut emissions, restore ecosystems, and set the world back on track to achieve a nature-positive, net-zero world by 2050. Each brings together multiple levers of change—policy, finance, technology, demand, civil society—and takes a ‘whole-of-society’ approach, uniting governments, the private sector, civil society, and communities in implementing ocean-based climate solutions.
Governments can use the Ocean Breakthroughs as an effective tool to strengthen the inclusion of ocean-based measures in their national strategies to deliver on climate and nature targets in a holistic, effective, and equitable manner.
THE POWER OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
What makes the Ocean Breakthroughs Dashboard revolutionary isn't just the data - it's the accountability. For too long, commitments have not been tracked with consistency.
The Dashboard represents a new social contract. By providing clear, evidence-based insights, governments, businesses, and civil society have a common reference point to measure progress, identify gaps, course-correct where needed, and hold each other accountable.
As we launch this beta version, the Dashboard will continue to grow and mature. New data and indicators will be added over time. This is just the beginning — a living, evolving tool designed to strengthen transparency and accelerate action as we get closer to 2030.
WHAT THE DASHBOARD REVEALS: THE FIVE BREAKTHROUGHS IN FOCUS
Marine Conservation: The Race to 30x30
We've reached approximately 10% ocean protection, but growth has stalled since 2020. To hit the Global Biodiversity Framework's 30% target by 2030, we need massive acceleration in both designation and investment—at least $72 billion to protect, restore, and conserve ocean ecosystems, including 125,000 km² of coral reefs and 150,000 km² of mangroves. The dashboard reveals that only 1.3% of marine protected areas are effectively monitored. COP30 must address "paper parks" and commit to equitable governance that includes Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.
Ocean Renewable Energy: Powering the Future
Offshore wind capacity has surged from 10 GW in 2015 to nearly 80 GW today. But to reach 380 GW by 2030, deployment rates must quadruple over the next five years, with $10 billion mobilised for developing economies. COP30 must prioritise regulatory frameworks that speed up permitting, grid integration, and concessional finance for emerging markets.
Aquatic Food: Feeding Billions Sustainably
While aquatic food consumption has risen dramatically, sustainability data is severely lacking. The sector needs $4 billion per year to support resilient systems feeding 3 billion people. Recognition of aquatic foods in national nutrition policies has declined by 25% since 2014. COP30 must elevate aquatic food systems in national climate plans and commit to comprehensive sustainability tracking.
Sustainable Shipping: Cleaning Up Global Trade
Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global emissions. The target: zero-emission fuels powering 5% of international shipping, 30% of trade moving through climate-adapted ports, and 450,000 seafarers retrained by 2030.
Coastal Tourism: Protecting Paradise
Despite sustaining millions of jobs and generating massive revenue, this sector has the least visibility. The target: invest $30 billion per year to halve emissions and build resilience for vulnerable communities by 2030. COP30 must establish consistent indicators, integrate tourism into national ocean strategies, and create equitable financing mechanisms for frontline communities.
THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW
The ocean doesn't just need champions; it needs collaborators that unlock and accelerate progress—and that requires all of us.
Whether you're a policymaker shaping national climate strategies, a business leader directing investment, a scientist providing crucial data, an NGO advocating for change or a citizen demanding accountability, you have a role to play.
Explore. Dive deep into each Breakthrough to understand where progress is happening and where greater action is needed.
Share. Spread the word about what's working and what needs attention. Transparency only works when people are paying attention.
Collaborate. Join the growing network of partners contributing funding, data, insights, and initiatives that advance the Ocean Breakthroughs and keep our climate and nature goals within reach.
Learn more and explore the data on the Ocean Breakthroughs Dashboard: https://ocean-breakthroughs.org/dashboard/
Contact: info@ocean-breakthroughs.org
