Global Scans · Life Below Water · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

• [New] Relocation From Rising Seas: Rising seas will inundate millions of homes and other property along the U.S. coast forcing relocation to higher ground. Climate Judiciary Project
• [New] There was a substantial probability that projected sea-level rise would lead to a serious loss of coastal property in Massachusetts, thus satisfying the injury-in-fact requirement. Climate Judiciary Project
• [New] Long term projections (beyond 2100) indicate a large dependence of the sea-level response to future carbon emissions trajectories (mainly from the Antarctic Ice Sheet). Climate Judiciary Project
• [New] Analyzing sea-level change during warm periods on longer timescales from the distant past may help build scientists' understanding of how the ice sheet will lose mass in the future and contribute to global sea-level rise. Climate Judiciary Project
• [New] Although the Antarctic Ice Sheet is currently contributing less to global sea level compared to either mountain glaciers or Greenland, it carries even greater threat to global sea-level rise. Climate Judiciary Project
• [New] Protecting 30% of Canada's ocean by 2030 is science-based, achievable, and essential to ensure a sustainable future. Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
• [New] In the North Atlantic, well-designed MPA networks safeguarding 30-40% of the deep ocean could protect about 75% of species, like coral and sponges, that provide habitats for many other marine animals. Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
• [New] 87% of the world's ocean has been disturbed by human activities like industrial fishing and shipping, and the impacts of human activities on the ocean are estimated to more than double by 2050. Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
• [New] Protecting 30% of Canada's ocean by 2030 is a bold but necessary step to safeguard nature, sustain fisheries, and support coastal communities. Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
• [New] IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole): A positive IOD phase developing in tandem with El Nino (forecast for June/July 2026) will amplify drought in Indonesia and Australia. Through my Asian lens
• [New] Southern Ocean systems may be reduced in frequency, and the South Island in particular could see some prolonged settled periods. Earth Sciences New Zealand | NIWA
• [New] Due to the climate crisis, by 2050, annual adaptation costs could reach US$ 565 billion, coral reefs could virtually disappear, 90% of coastal cities could be hit by sea level rise, and up to 70 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa will be forced to migrate. UNEP - UN Environment Programme
• [New] The International Maritime Organization's 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas target has created an inescapable imperative: the fleet of approximately 55,000 ocean-going vessels that moves 90% of global trade must transition to fuels that produce no net carbon emissions. Jaysons Chemical Industries
• [New] A potentially powerful El Nino is expected to develop in the Pacific Ocean, and forecasters say it could grow into a rare super El Nino later in 2026. Boston.com
• [New] Some forecasts project Pacific Ocean temperatures could rise close to 3 degrees Celsius above average by late 2026, potentially making it one of the strongest El Nino events on record. Boston.com
• [New] Governments must act fast - as the Arctic could be free of summer sea ice by 2035. Greenpeace International
• [New] Stable sea ice along Alaska's coast is disappearing faster than expected, with the season shrinking by weeks and even months in recent decades. ScienceDaily
• [New] Feedback processes speeding up ice melt (or even ice sheet collapse) in Greenland and Antarctica could further enhance sea level rise. Climate Change Knowledge Portal

Last updated: 31 May 2026