SOOS at COP 29

SOOS had a strong presence at the recent COP29, the 29th UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan including presentations and panel representation in sea ice and polar ocean side events held in the Cryosphere and Ocean Pavilions. The conference briought together representatives from nearly 200 countries to tackle pressing climate issues, focusing on enhancing commitments to emissions reduction, funding for developing nations, and addressing loss and damage from climate impacts. 

The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) contributed to discussions at COP29 by highlighting the critical role of Antarctic and Southern Ocean research in understanding global climate dynamics. SOOS emphasized the importance of sustained scientific observation to inform climate policies. These efforts underline a global commitment to ensuring robust scientific inputs guide climate action and policy development.

SOOS was involved in the following events:

• Session "Antarctic Sea Ice at a Crossroads: Status Quo and Future Implications", Thursday, 1.00 pm (UTC+4), Cryosphere Pavilion, lead by SOOS WSDMLWorking Group Co-chair, Stefanie Arndt, and with a talk by SOOS Scientific Steering Committee member, Nicole Hill

  • Since 2016, Antarctic sea ice has remained below the long-term average, with extreme lows in recent summers and winters. This rapid change is not entirely understood, and scientists have yet to attribute causality and identify the range of consequences. This expert briefing will address the current state of Antarctic sea ice, its global climate and ecosystem impacts, their implications in recent climate projections, and open dialogue with policy and other stakeholders.
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• Session "Vanishing Sea Ice, Changing Oceans: Why It Matters for Climate, Marine Ecosystems, and People", Thursday, 10:30 am (UTC+4), Ocean Pavilion, with contributions by SOOS Co-chair, Sian Henley, and SOOS WSDML Working Group Co-chair, Stefanie Arndt

  • As sea ice rapidly diminishes in polar oceans, its profound impact on ocean health, biodiversity, and climate regulation becomes a pressing global issue. This panel brings together sea-ice scientists from different fields to discuss the critical role of sea ice in driving ocean circulation, supporting marine ecosystems and people, and sequestering carbon. Attendees will explore the far-reaching consequences of ice loss on ocean life, and its cascading effects on the global climate system. The session aims to provide accessible insights into the significance of safeguarding sea ice, offering decision-makers working to build climate resilience essential information. This discussion seeks to inspire urgent collaboration to protect the ocean and secure a stable climate future by highlighting key research gaps and offering actionable policy recommendations.
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• Session "Polar Oceans: the Triple Threat of Acidification, Warming and Freshening", Friday, 11:30 am (UTC+4), Cryosphere Pavilion, SOOS Executive Officer, Alyce Hancock, joins as panellist and presenter of the SOOS/GOA-ON  Southern Ocean Regional Hub 

  • The Arctic and Southern Oceans are crucial components of the Earth system. Their unique ecosystems are under serious threat from warming, acidification, freshening and ice loss. Polar oceans already experience changes in chemistry, and continued warming is leading to range shifts, changes in food webs, ecosystems, fisheries, and climate regulation. This session highlights the latest scientific and discusses the wider societal and political impacts, while emphasising the need to raise ambition for reducing emissions
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Watch the recordings here...