"António Guterres says the world must turn the tide of rising sea levels, ocean heating, acidification and plastics pollution".
"LISBON - The UN secretary general has declared that the world is in the middle of an “ocean emergency”, and urged governments to do more to restore ocean health.
Speaking at the opening of the UN ocean conference in Lisbon, Portugal, attended by global leaders and heads of state from 20 countries, António Guterres said: “Sadly, we have taken the ocean for granted and today we face what I would call an ocean emergency. We must turn the tide.”
Guterres said the “egoism” of some nations was hampering efforts to agree a long-awaited treaty to protect the world’s oceans.
In March, UN member states were criticised by scientists and environmentalists for failing to agree on a blueprint for protecting the high seas against exploitation. Of the 64% of the high seas that lie beyond territorial limits, only 1.2% is currently protected."
Karen McVeigh reports for the Guardian June 27, 2022.
SEE ALSO:
"UN Chief: National Selfishness Delaying Global Oceans Deal" (AP)
