Climate change, ocean acidification and the marine environment: Challenges for the international legal regime

The oceans are vast, covering 71% of our planet, and are considered the common heritage of mankind. All living organisms rely upon the oceans to provide the fundamental ecosystem services that support life on earth. Human beings are connected to and benefit from oceanic systems using them as a means of transport, source of food, energy production, spiritual fulfilment, aesthetic enjoyment and space for coastal development. Climate change is an existential threat to the health of ocean systems, biodiversity and human communities that rely on marine ecosystem services. Ocean acidification has drastic consequences for marine species and ecosystems and, in turn, undermines and erodes number of services vital for human development. The international regime for protecting the oceans is advancing its scientific understanding of ocean acidification and developing responses for States to collectively manage impacts and build resilience. The Convention on Biological Diversity has been active platform for the sharing of information on ocean acidification and coordinating mechanism for action.