Latest news with #Matthes
DW
07-07-2025
- Business
- DW
WTO: EU, Germany push for new world trade body – DW – 07/04/2025
Brussels and Berlin have launched a new initiative aimed at bypassing the long-standing paralysis of the World Trade Organization (WTO). But how viable is such a solution? A proposal, introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has sparked considerable attention. Speaking at the end of a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on June 27, they floated the idea of the EU taking the lead in forming an alternative to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the world trade body that has been in place since 1995. Merz said the idea was in its early stages but could include mechanisms to resolve disputes, as the WTO was meant to do. "You all know that the WTO doesn't work anymore," he said, adding that a "new kind of trade organization" could gradually replace "what we no longer have with the WTO." The German chancellor was referring to the near-total breakdown of the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism. It was former US President Barack Obama who first blocked appointments to the WTO's Appellate Body — its top court for trade disputes — during his later years in office. That blockade has continued under every US administration since, regardless of party affiliation, as successive governments have opposed WTO rulings that they argue undermine US national interests. As a result, trade disputes can no longer be conclusively resolved once a party appeals. Currently, unresolved cases include disputes between the EU and Indonesia over nickel ore exports, rulings on subsidies for aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, and anti-dumping cases against China. The EU's von der Leyen emphasized plans for a particularly close partnership with like-minded trade nations in Asia, referencing potential cooperation with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This trade alliance currently includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. The United Kingdom has also joined, becoming the first European country in the bloc. But can Europe realistically create a new WTO without US involvement? And how effective would an alliance with like-minded global partners be, especially in the Asia-Pacific? Jürgen Matthes, an international trade policy expert at the Cologne, Germany-based German Economic Institute (IW), expressed support for the initiative in an interview with DW. "A formal EU application to join the CPTPP would be a strategically important move in several respects," Matthes said. "It would send a clear signal to the US that its protectionism is isolating it, while the rest of the world continues to liberalize trade." Matthes also said this would create a "remarkably large trans-regional trade agreement," involving major economies, "with the EU as the largest bloc." "It would cover nearly all continents. And maybe some African countries could be brought on board as well," he added. Such a club, however, would initially exclude China, which Matthes argued is not known for playing by fair competition rules. "The goal is to form a strategic trade alliance that addresses today's pressing issues in global trade — not only US protectionism, but also the massive market distortions caused by China's subsidies, which current WTO rules don't effectively address," said Matthes. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video For the EU, the priority would be to enshrine strict competition rules within the new framework, particularly regarding state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies. "Anyone who meets those standards can join," he added. That would require China to make major reforms, such as reducing market distortions and subsidies, or finally agreeing to a comprehensive overhaul of WTO rules. Free trade advocates have already created a workaround to the WTO's stalled appeals process called the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). Formed within the WTO itself, MPIA provides an alternative dispute resolution system that functions without US participation. According to the European Commission, 57 countries, representing 57.6% of global trade, have joined the MPIA, including the UK and all EU member states. Still, business groups such as the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), which represents Germany's export sector, are wary of undermining the WTO. Speaking to news agency Reuters, BGA President Dirk Jandura acknowledged the strategic benefits of forming a new framework among functioning democracies via CPTPP, but warned of the risks. "We must not allow global trade to splinter into competing blocs with different rules," he said. "This new organization must only be a transitional solution, clearly aimed at reforming — not replacing — the WTO." Brussels has also been careful to clarify that the goal is not to render the WTO obsolete. European Commission President von der Leyen described the "structured cooperation" with CPTPP members as a potential starting point for reshaping the WTO. Even the WTO's former chief economist, Ralph Ossa, who recently returned to the University of Zurich, openly acknowledged the need for change. "Does the WTO need reform? Absolutely," he told DW. Germany's economy ministry echoed that view, with a spokesperson for Minister Katharina Reiche confirming that the German government, together with the European Commission, is actively pushing for WTO reforms. These include new rules to curb industrial subsidies to ensure fair competition, digital trade initiatives and investment facilitation. The EU is already in talks with countries that support open and rules-based trade — including CPTPP members. The EU's dual message to both the US and China appears to be part of a deliberate communication strategy that has evolved since US President Donald Trump's tariff war. Matthes envisions a new alliance under the banner of "Open Markets with Fair Trade." In such a setup, "the US is out when it comes to open markets, and China is out when it comes to fair trade — unless things change under a new US administration or a reformed China emerges." He sees multiple advantages to this strategy. "We'd achieve more trade liberalization and gain access to new markets. We'd isolate the US more and show Trump that protectionism is ultimately a dead end." At the same time, Europe could send a clear message to China that it will no longer tolerate market distortions, he added.
DW
04-07-2025
- Business
- DW
EU and Germany push for a new World Trade Organization – DW – 07/04/2025
Brussels and Berlin have launched a new initiative aimed at bypassing the long-standing paralysis of the World Trade Organization (WTO) caused by the United States. But how viable is such a solution? A proposal, introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has sparked considerable attention. Speaking at the end of a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on June 27, they floated the idea of the EU taking the lead in forming an alternative to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the world trade body that has been in place since 1995. Merz said the idea was in its early stages but could include mechanisms to resolve disputes, as the WTO was meant to do. "You all know that the WTO doesn't work anymore," he said, adding that a "new kind of trade organization" could gradually replace "what we no longer have with the WTO." The German chancellor was referring to the near-total breakdown of the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism. It was former US President Barack Obama who first blocked appointments to the WTO's Appellate Body — its top court for trade disputes — during his later years in office. That blockade has continued under every US administration since, regardless of party affiliation, as successive governments have opposed WTO rulings that they argue undermine US national interests. As a result, trade disputes can no longer be conclusively resolved once a party appeals. Currently, unresolved cases include disputes between the EU and Indonesia over nickel ore exports, rulings on subsidies for aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, and anti-dumping cases against China. The EU's von der Leyen emphasized plans for a particularly close partnership with like-minded trade nations in Asia, referencing potential cooperation with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This trade alliance currently includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The United Kingdom has also joined, becoming the first European country in the bloc. But can Europe realistically create a new WTO without US involvement? And how effective would an alliance with like-minded global partners be, especially in the Asia-Pacific? Jürgen Matthes, an international trade policy expert at the Cologne, Germany-based German Economic Institute (IW), expressed support for the initiative in an interview with DW. "A formal EU application to join the CPTPP would be a strategically important move in several respects," Matthes said. "It would send a clear signal to the US that its protectionism is isolating it, while the rest of the world continues to liberalize trade." Matthes also said this would create a "remarkably large trans-regional trade agreement," involving major economies, "with the EU as the largest bloc." "It would cover nearly all continents. And maybe some African countries could be brought on board as well," he added. Such a club, however, would initially exclude China, which Matthes argued is not known for playing by fair competition rules. "The goal is to form a strategic trade alliance that addresses today's pressing issues in global trade — not only US protectionism, but also the massive market distortions caused by China's subsidies, which current WTO rules don't effectively address," said Matthes. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video For the EU, the priority would be to enshrine strict competition rules within the new framework, particularly regarding state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies. "Anyone who meets those standards can join," he added. That would require China to make major reforms, such as reducing market distortions and subsidies, or finally agreeing to a comprehensive overhaul of WTO rules. Free trade advocates have already created a workaround to the WTO's stalled appeals process called the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). Formed within the WTO itself, MPIA provides an alternative dispute resolution system that functions without US participation. According to the European Commission, 57 countries, representing 57.6% of global trade, have joined the MPIA, including the UK and all EU member states. Still, business groups such as the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), which represents Germany's export sector, are wary of undermining the WTO. Speaking to news agency Reuters, BGA President Dirk Jandura acknowledged the strategic benefits of forming a new framework among functioning democracies via CPTPP, but warned of the risks. "We must not allow global trade to splinter into competing blocs with different rules," he said. "This new organization must only be a transitional solution, clearly aimed at reforming — not replacing — the WTO." Brussels has also been careful to clarify that the goal is not to render the WTO obsolete. EU Commission President von der Leyen described the "structured cooperation" with CPTPP members as a potential starting point for reshaping the WTO. Even the WTO's former chief economist, Ralph Ossa, who recently returned to the University of Zurich, openly acknowledged the need for change. "Does the WTO need reform? Absolutely," he told DW. Germany's economy ministry echoed that view, with a spokesperson for Minister Katharina Reiche confirming that the German government, together with the European Commission, is actively pushing for WTO reforms. These include new rules to curb industrial subsidies to ensure fair competition, digital trade initiatives, and investment facilitation. The EU is already in talks with countries that support open and rules-based trade — including CPTPP members. The EU's dual message to both the US and China appears to be part of a deliberate communication strategy that has evolved since US President Donald Trump's tariff war. Matthes envisions a new alliance under the banner of "Open Markets with Fair Trade." In such a setup, "the US is out when it comes to open markets, and China is out when it comes to fair trade — unless things change under a new US administration or a reformed China emerges." He sees multiple advantages to this strategy. "We'd achieve more trade liberalization and gain access to new markets. We'd isolate the US more and show Trump that protectionism is ultimately a dead end." At the same time, Europe could send a clear message to China that it will no longer tolerate market distortions, he added.
DW
17-06-2025
- Science
- DW
What's the state of our oceans? – DW – 06/10/2025
Climate change, plastic pollution and overfishing are taking their toll on oceans, biodiversity and livelihoods. Can the UN's ocean conference underway in France find solutions to help protect them? Earth's oceans are home to more than 250,000 species, among them tiny plankton, colorful coral reefs and the gigantic blue whale. Over a billion people rely on food from the sea as a significant source of nutrition. The international community is now meeting in Nice, France, to hash out solutions to better protect the planet's vulnerable and plundered ocean waters. But what are the areas of concern at the UN Ocean Conference? Warmer oceans mean fewer underwater inhabitants As the planet heats up, huge swaths of underwater life are at stake. With rising temperatures, corals lose their color as a stress response and these crucial habitats can then die. Coral bleaching affects about 84% of all reefs. If ocean temperatures were to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) compared with pre-industrial times, most reefs would die. "With anything higher than 2 degrees Celsius, destruction would be inevitable," said Katja Matthes, director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel in northern Germany. Warm water also absorbs less oxygen and that puts many more underwater creatures at risk. New research shows that oceans are already warming to a depth of 2,000 meters (about 6,600 feet). Deep-sea squids are found at depths ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters Image: Courtesy Everett Collection/picture alliance "That means plankton, fish and marine mammals run out of oxygen. We see death zones here in Germany's Baltic Sea where life is virtually unable to exist anymore," said Matthes. Overfishing puts stress on marine ecosystems Excessive and unregulated fishing also puts a strain on marine ecosystems. Environmental organization WWF estimates the number of overfished stocks globally has tripled in the past 50 years. Fish populations have no chance to replenish if they're overly exploited. The problem is especially dire in the Mediterranean Sea, where over half of fish populations, such as herring, sardines and anchovies, are considered overexploited. "That has an impact on the food chain of bigger marine mammals and in turn affects an entire ecosystem," said Matthes. Fish are the most important source of protein for over a billion people. Over 600 million people depend on oceans for their livelihoods — especially in China, Indonesia and India. More plastic than fish in oceans by 2050 By 2050 the weight of all fish combined could be exceeded by something else: plastic waste. Every year, about 8 to 10 million tons of plastic ends up in the water. That's according to estimates by the World Resources Institute , a nonprofit organization based in Washington D.C. A big pile of garbage known as 'the Great Pacific Garbage Patch' is floating around in the North Pacific Ocean Image: Ocean Voyages Institute/ alliance It can take hundreds of years for plastic to break down. The persistent waste and microplastic particles are causing increasing problems for marine life. Rising sea temperatures affect weather patterns Global ocean currents have a major influence on monsoon periods in South America and Asia and Europe's relatively mild climate. The Gulf Stream, for example, as part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), brings warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic Ocean. This helps regulate Europe's mild air temperatures and, thus, is central to the continent's high agricultural yields. According to researchers, rising temperatures could alter the AMOC. There are signs that the Gulf Stream is already slowing down. Without it, northern Europe would be 5 to 15 degrees Celsius colder, according to Germany's environment agency UBA. Oceans as an 'ally in the fight against climate change' Sea surface temperatures set new records in 2023 and 2024, according to the latest report from Copernicus, the European Union's Earth observation program. Water expands as it warms. This is one of the main reasons for sea level rise, alongside melting land ice. The sea is getting warmer, because it absorbs CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. It's sucked up about a third of human-made emissions. "Without this storage function, the temperature in the atmosphere would already be unbearable," said marine scientist Carlos Duarte, who's based at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. "The ocean is our ally in the fight against climate change," said Matthes, "but only as long as we maintain its function." As water temperatures rise, oceans absorb less CO2. And higher CO2 levels turn the sea acidic, killing off mussels and corals, Matthes added. Adjusting to more acidic conditions is hard on many creatures, and means they can lack the energy needed to grow and reproduce. How are oceans protected right now? To counteract these threats, countries have established marine protected areas. The largest of these is located off the coast of Hawaii in the US. The kind of protection provided in such zones varies from country to country. Wind farm construction and fishing are often prohibited. Currently, there are protected areas in less than 9% of the world's oceans — but fishing is prohibited in just 3% of these. Goal of cutting down on plastic in oceans "We can't solve all the problems with marine protected areas. These zones don't matter to climate change or the plastic floating in the ocean," said Duarte. The UN has pushed for an international treaty for years to cut down on plastic pollution. Recent negotiations stalled thanks to oil and gas producing nations such as Saudi Arabia and Russia. The next round of talks is scheduled for August in Switzerland. Research into alternatives to conventional plastic is another avenue scientists are pursuing. Japanese researchers have developed a substance that is supposed to dissolve in ocean saltwater within hours. However, such new alternatives offer no solution to the already huge amounts of plastic waste in oceans. Who is allowed to exploit ocean resources? About 40% of the oceans are governed by national law. These are the areas within a radius of approximately 370 kilometers (about 230 miles) around a state. Beyond this line are the high seas, which don't belong to any nation and are often referred to as the "common heritage of mankind." For the longest time, this area wasn't regulated at all. "As a result, many of the ocean's resources were plundered without anyone being held accountable," said Duarte. So far, only 1% of the high seas is protected because the international community could not agree on any other region besides Antarctica. The International Convention on the High Seas, signed by 134 nations in 2023 after 15 years of negotiations, aims to close this gap. However, it only becomes binding when at least 60 countries have ratified the treaty. So far, 49 have done so, among them many smaller countries, as well as Bangladesh and France. Germany and the US have not yet ratified the treaty. The international community has also agreed to protect biodiversity. The goal is to place 30% of the oceans under protection by 2030, so within the next five years. That's ambitious, said Duarte, adding: "It will take time for our current actions to have a noticeable impact in the future." Nevertheless, he said he's optimistic. "If we agree on this protection now, we will be able to leave our children and grandchildren an ocean in 2050 that looks roughly like the one our grandparents knew." This article was originally published in German and was adapted by Sarah Steffen. Edited by: Anke Rasper
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
How are oceans faring in a heating world?
AI- Generated Image Earth's oceans are home to more than 250,000 species, among them tiny plankton, colourful coral reefs and the gigantic blue whale. Over a billion people rely on food from the sea as a significant source of nutrition. The international community is now meeting in Nice, France, to hash out solutions to better protect the planet's vulnerable and plundered ocean waters. But what are the areas of concern at the UN Ocean Conference? Warmer oceans mean fewer underwater inhabitants As the planet heats up, huge swaths of underwater life are at stake. With rising temperatures, corals lose their colour as a stress response and these crucial habitats can then die. Coral bleaching affects about 84% of all reefs. If ocean temperatures were to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) compared with pre-industrial times, most reefs would die. "With anything higher than 2 degrees Celsius, destruction would be inevitable," said Katja Matthes, director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel in northern Germany. Warm water also absorbs less oxygen and that puts many more underwater creatures at risk. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด CFDs ด้วยเทคโนโลยีเทรดสุดล้ำ และ รวดเร็วกว่า IC Markets สมัคร Undo New research shows that oceans are already warming to a depth of 2,000 meters (about 6,600 feet). "That means plankton, fish and marine mammals run out of oxygen. We see death zones here in Germany's Baltic Sea where life is virtually unable to exist anymore," said Matthes. Overfishing puts stress on marine ecosystems Excessive and unregulated fishing also puts a strain on marine ecosystems. Environmental organization WWF estimates the number of overfished stocks globally has tripled in the past 50 years. Fish populations have no chance to replenish if they're overly exploited. The problem is especially dire in the Mediterranean Sea, where over half of fish populations, such as herring, sardines and anchovies, are considered overexploited. "That has an impact on the food chain of bigger marine mammals and in turn affects an entire ecosystem," said Matthes. Fish are the most important source of protein for over a billion people. Over 600 million people depend on oceans for their livelihoods — especially in China, Indonesia and India More plastic than fish in oceans by 2050 By 2050 the weight of all fish combined could be exceeded by something else: plastic waste. Every year, about 8 to 10 million tons of plastic ends up in the water. That's according to estimates by the World Resources Institute, a non profit organization based in Washington DC It can take hundreds of years for plastic to break down. The persistent waste and microplastic particles are causing increasing problems for marine life. Rising sea temperatures affect weather patterns Global ocean currents have a major influence on monsoon periods in South America and Asia and Europe's relatively mild climate. The Gulf Stream, for example, as part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), brings warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic Ocean. This helps regulate Europe's mild air temperatures and, thus, is central to the continent's high agricultural yields. According to researchers, rising temperatures could alter the AMOC. There are signs that the Gulf Stream is already slowing down. Without it, northern Europe would be 5 to 15 degrees Celsius colder, according to Germany's environment agency UBA. Oceans as an 'ally in the fight against climate change' Sea surface temperatures set new records in 2023 and 2024, according to the latest report from Copernicus, the European Union's Earth observation program. Water expands as it warms. This is one of the main reasons for sea level rise, alongside melting land ice. The sea is getting warmer, because it absorbs CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. It's sucked up about a third of human-made emissions. "Without this storage function, the temperature in the atmosphere would already be unbearable," said marine scientist Carlos Duarte, who's based at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. "The ocean is our ally in the fight against climate change," said Matthes, "but only as long as we maintain its function." As water temperatures rise, oceans absorb less CO2. And higher CO2 levels turn the sea acidic, killing off mussels and corals, Matthes added. Adjusting to more acidic conditions is hard on many creatures, and means they can lack the energy needed to grow and reproduce. How are oceans protected right now? To counteract these threats, countries have established marine protected areas. The largest of these is located off the coast of Hawaii in the US. The kind of protection provided in such zones varies from country to country. Wind farm construction and fishing are often prohibited. Currently, there are protected areas in less than 9% of the world's oceans — but fishing is prohibited in just 3% of these. Goal of cutting down on plastic in oceans "We can't solve all the problems with marine protected areas. These zones don't matter to climate change or the plastic floating in the ocean," said Duarte. The UN has pushed for an international treaty for years to cut down on plastic pollution. Recent negotiations stalled thanks to oil and gas producing nations such as Saudi Arabia and Russia. The next round of talks is scheduled for August in Switzerland. Research into alternatives to conventional plastic is another avenue scientists are pursuing. Japanese researchers have developed a substance that is supposed to dissolve in ocean saltwater within hours. However, such new alternatives offer no solution to the already huge amounts of plastic waste in oceans. Who is allowed to exploit ocean resources? About 40% of the oceans are governed by national law. These are the areas within a radius of approximately 370 kilometres (about 230 miles) around a state. Beyond this line are the high seas, which don't belong to any nation and are often referred to as the "common heritage of mankind." For the longest time, this area wasn't regulated at all. "As a result, many of the ocean's resources were plundered without anyone being held accountable," said Duarte. So far, only 1% of the high seas is protected because the international community could not agree on any other region besides Antarctica. The International Convention on the High Seas, signed by 134 nations in 2023 after 15 years of negotiations, aims to close this gap. However, it only becomes binding when at least 60 countries have ratified the treaty. So far, 49 have done so, among them many smaller countries, as well as Bangladesh and France. Germany and the US have not yet ratified the treaty. The international community has also agreed to protect biodiversity. The goal is to place 30% of the oceans under protection by 2030, so within the next five years. That's ambitious, said Duarte, adding: "It will take time for our current actions to have a noticeable impact in the future." Nevertheless, he said he's optimistic. "If we agree on this protection now, we will be able to leave our children and grandchildren an ocean in 2050 that looks roughly like the one our grandparents knew."
DW
10-06-2025
- Science
- DW
How are oceans faring in a heating world? – DW – 06/10/2025
Climate change, plastic pollution and overfishing are putting a toll on oceans, biodiversity and livelihoods. Can the UN's ocean conference underway in France find solutions to help protect them? Earth's oceans are home to more than 250,000 species, among them tiny plankton, colorful coral reefs and the gigantic blue whale. Over a billion people rely on food from the sea as a significant source of nutrition. The international community is now meeting in Nice, France, to hash out solutions to better protect the planet's vulnerable and plundered ocean waters. But what are the area of concerns at the UN Ocean Conference? Warmer oceans mean fewer underwater inhabitants As the planet heats up, huge swathes of underwater life are at stake. With rising temperatures, corals lose their color as a stress response and these crucial habitats can then die. Coral bleaching affects about 84% of all reefs. If ocean temperatures were to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to pre-industrial times, most reefs would die. "With anything higher than 2 C, destruction would be inevitable," says Katja Matthes, director of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel in Germany. Warm water also absorbs less oxygen and that puts many more underwater creatures at risk. Deep-sea squids are found at depths ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters Image: Courtesy Everett Collection/picture alliance New research shows that oceans are warming to a depth of 2,000 meters (about 6,600 feet). "That means plankton, fish and marine mammals run out of oxygen. We see death zones here in Germany's Baltic Sea where life is virtually unable to exist anymore," Matthes said. Overfishing puts stress on marine ecosystems Excessive and unregulated fishing also puts a strain on marine ecosystems. Environmental organization WWF estimates the number of overfished stocks globally has tripled in the past 50 years. Fish populations have no chance to replenish if they're overly exploited. The problem is especially dire in the Mediterranean Sea, where over half of fish populations, such as herring, sardines and anchovies, are considered overexploited. "That has an impact on the food chain of bigger marine mammals and in turn affects an entire ecosystem," said Matthes. Fish are the most important source of protein for over a billion people. Over 600 million people depend on oceans for their livelihoods — especially in China, Indonesia and India. More plastic than fish in oceans by 2050 By 2050 the weight of all fish combined could be exceeded by something else: plastic waste. Every year, about 8 to 10 million tons of plastic ends up in the water. That's according to estimates by the World Resources Institute , a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C. There's a big pile of garbage known as 'the Great Pacific Garbage Patch' floating around in the North Pacific Ocean Image: Ocean Voyages Institute/ alliance It can take hundreds of years for plastic to break down. The persistent waste and microplastic particles are causing increasing problems for marine life. Rising sea temperatures affect weather patterns Global ocean currents have a major influence on monsoon periods in South America and Asia and Europe's relatively mild climate. The Gulf Stream, for example, as part of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), brings warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic Ocean. This helps regulate Europe's mild air temperatures and, thus, is central to the continent's high agricultural yields. According to researchers, rising temperatures could alter the AMOC. There are signs that the Gulf Stream is already slowing down. Without it, northern Europe would be 5 to 15 C colder, according to Germany's environment agency UBA. Oceans as an 'ally in the fight against climate change' Sea surface temperatures set new records in 2023 and 2024, according to the latest report from Copernicus, the European Union's Earth observation program. Water expands as it warms. This is one of the main reasons for sea level rise, alongside melting land ice. The sea is getting warmer, because it absorbs CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. It's sucked up about a third of human-made emissions. "Without this storage function, the temperature in the atmosphere would already be unbearable," said marine scientist Carlos Duarte, who's based at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. "The ocean is our ally in the fight against climate change," Matthes said, "but only as long as we maintain its function." As water temperatures rise, oceans absorb less CO2. And higher CO2 levels turn the sea acidic, killing off mussels and corals, Matthes added. Adjusting to more acidic conditions is hard on many creatures, and means they can lack the energy needed to grow and reproduce. How are oceans protected right now? To counteract these threats, countries have established marine protected areas. The largest of these is located off the coast of Hawaii in the US. The kind of protection provided in such zones varies from country to country. Wind farm construction and fishing are often prohibited. Currently, there are protected areas in less than 9% of the world's oceans — but fishing is prohibited in just 3% of these. The goal of cutting down on plastic in oceans "We can't solve all the problems with marine protected areas. These zones don't matter to climate change or the plastic floating in the ocean," Duarte said. The UN has pushed for an international treaty for years to cut down on plastic pollution. Recent negotiations stalled thanks to oil and gas producing nations such as Saudi Arabia and Russia. The next round of talks is scheduled for later this year in August in Switzerland. Research into alternatives to conventional plastic is another avenue scientists are pursuing. Japanese researchers have developed a substance that is supposed to dissolve in ocean salt water within hours. However, such new alternatives offer no solution to the already huge amounts of plastic waste in oceans. Who is allowed to exploit ocean resources? About 40% of the oceans are governed by national law. These are the areas within a radius of approximately 370 kilometers (about 230 miles) around a state. Beyond this lie the high seas which don't belong to any nation and are often referred to as the "common heritage of mankind." For the longest time, this area wasn't regulated at all. "As a result, many of the ocean's resources were plundered without anyone being held accountable," Duarte said. So far, only 1% of the high seas is protected because the international community could not agree on any other region besides Antarctica. The International Convention on the High Seas signed by 134 nations in 2023 after 15 years of negotiations aims to close this gap. However, it only becomes binding when at least 60 countries have ratified the treaty. So far, 49 have done so, among them many smaller countries, as well as Bangladesh and France. Germany and the US have not yet ratified the treaty. The international community has also agreed to protect biodiversity. The goal is to place 30% of the oceans under protection by 2030, so within the next 5 years. That's ambitious, says Duarte. "It will take time for our current actions to have a noticeable impact in the future." Nevertheless, he says he's optimistic. "If we agree on this protection now, we will be able to leave our children and grandchildren an ocean in 2050 that looks roughly like the one our grandparents knew." This article was originally published in German as has been adapted by Sarah Steffen. Edited by: Anke Rasper
