The oceans play a vital role in the global carbon cycle, regulate climate and temperature, provide food
security and support the livelihoods of billions of people around the globe, especially in coastal areas
(where over half the global population resides) and in small island states, where some of the most
vulnerable populations rely on marine resources. However, the provision of these life-sustaining services
is at risk
d
climate change and ocean acidi
fi
cation are already affecting marine ecosystems and coastal
populations, threatening the ability of the oceans to continue providing economic resources and envi-
ronmental services on which we so critically depend. Citing evidence of these key points, this paper calls
for improved governance, the use of ecosystem-based approaches in coastal and ocean management, and
urgency in transition to a low-carbon economy. With enhanced governance frameworks and a reliance
on science and best practices, we can improve food security, enhance ecosystem resilience, secure
sustainable livelihoods, and provide man-made and, perhaps more importantly, natural protections to
threats to human health and environmental security from rising seas, acidifying oceans, coastal hazards
and extreme weather events. The oceans play a vital role in combating climate change impacts, which, as
much current evidence shows, will be more extensive and disastrous than previously forecast by in-
ternational experts. It is urgent that the international community concertedly and decisively act to
protect this function, including with the improvement of climate change cost estimates and development
of
fi
nancing mechanisms. We must act to increase resilience of key ocean and coastal ecosystems that
provide shoreline and infrastructure protection, water quality maintenance, food security, and livelihood
support. In effect, we must act to protect our own security through
“
ocean security
”