A groundbreaking global scientific report has revealed a stark truth: we have now crossed seven out of nine critical planetary boundaries that keep life on Earth stable and healthy.

The newest boundary breached is ocean acidification — a dangerous shift caused mainly by rising carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels. This change is altering the very chemistry of our ocean, putting all marine life at risk, but especially fragile coral reefs that are already struggling under the weight of warming temperatures and pollution. 

The latest EU Copernicus Ocean State Report highlights mounting threats to Europe’s seas from acidification, plastic pollution, and climate change — sounding a clear alarm for urgent and stronger protective actions, while the European Environment Agency (EEA) is warning of the ‘deadly trio’ of acidification, deoxygenation and warming temperatures for our seas and ocean. 

Scientists warn that crossing planetary boundaries puts the Earth’s life-support systems at serious risk. Now, more than ever, coordinated efforts at global, regional, and local levels are critical to protect our seas and ocean — the vital blue heart that sustains life on our planet. 

Global & EU actions to protect our ocean

In a historic step forward, the recent ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement creates a global framework to conserve and sustainably manage marine life in international waters. This milestone works hand in hand with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which sets bold targets to preserve ocean ecosystems and reduce pollution on a worldwide scale. 

Closer to home, the Commission is taking action through its EU Water Resilience Strategy, which focuses on integrated water management to boost the resilience of our waters and ocean against acidification and other climate impacts.

With its Ocean Pact, the Commission has committed to an integrated approach to the protection of marine ecosystems, including against the impacts of climate change, and the development of a sustainable, decarbonised and circular Blue Economy.

The Commission is also revising the Marine Strategy Framework Directive – one of the most ambitious marine environmental protection laws worldwide. The review will seek to better address the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems in EU law.

With its Plastics Strategy, the EU also aims to dramatically reduce marine litter and will continue global efforts towards an international Plastics Treaty. Meanwhile, ambitious climate policies target cutting CO2 emissions — the root cause of ocean acidification. 

Background

The planetary boundaries framework identifies nine essential Earth system processes that regulate the planet’s stability, resilience, and ability to support life. These boundaries define safe limits for human activities, beyond which we risk triggering catastrophic environmental changes.

Since its introduction in 2009, the framework has helped spotlight critical areas like climate change, biodiversity loss, land-use change, freshwater use, and chemical pollution — all vital to maintaining a balanced and healthy Earth.