The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9–20, 2026, is being billed as a “Blue COP,” building upon momentum for increased ocean-climate action and shared responsibilities at the UNFCCC.
There, countries will grapple with how to center the ocean in the climate change agenda, specifically as relates to curbing our greenhouse gas and carbon emissions as well as responding to the impacts already accruing in our ocean and along coastlines.
Acidification is central to that case. As a direct consequence of rising CO₂ emissions, ocean acidification is a measurable and mounting threat to marine ecosystems, coastal communities and global food security. As more governments commit to advancing ocean action through climate policy, it is important that acidification is reflected in what they sign, plan for and fund.
From international commitments to national action, COP31 presents a meaningful moment to translate growing recognition into meaningful progress.
The OA Alliance will be following the developments shaping ocean acidification action at COP31.
Learn more about our events below
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Time: 11:30am-12:20pm
Location: Ocean Pavilion
This solution-oriented session will bring together a diverse range of actors to share practical lessons in scaling and targeting ocean finance. A moderated panel discussion will consider perspectives from countries, climate funds and regional development banks, explore innovative sources of finance, and address the key issue of access to finance.
The session is aimed at climate finance experts and ocean advocates, from officials to practitioners. Jessie Turner, Director of the OA Alliance, will act as moderator, encouraging an exchange with the audience and across climate, ocean and finance communities.
Organized by:
Climate Policy Institute
Oceans5
Moderated by: OA Alliance
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 13:30-15:00
Location: Ukrainian Pavilion
This event will highlight regional experiences in addressing the combined impacts of climate change and environmental damage on transboundary water systems throughout the Danube-Black Sea-Mediterranean region. Participants will discuss and demonstrate how stronger regional cooperation, ecosystem-based solutions and integrated governance can contribute to climate resilience and environmental security.
The OA Alliance will be providing an overview of our EU Regional Programme, working to connect emerging ocean acidification science to Regional Seas Conventions and EU Directives for policy response.
The event will promote the integrated implementation of UNFCCC objectives at the interregional level and contribute to the objectives of the Barcelona Convention and the Bucharest Convention, as well as to other relevant regional and national efforts related to ocean acidification in EU waters.
Organized by:
UN Environment Programme
UN Barcelona Convention
HELCOM
Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine
With participation from: OA Alliance
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 11:45am
Location: Portuguese Pavilion
Through membership in the OA Alliance, the Government of Portugal has recently approved its first National Ocean Acidification Action Plan (PACAO), establishing a dedicated policy framework to address the impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems, biodiversity and coastal communities.
The side event will present Portugal’s experience in developing the PACAO and welcome a broader discussion on how national action plans can translate scientific knowledge and international commitments into coordinated and effective action.
A panel of OA Alliance government members will explore implementation and monitoring challenges, opportunities forinter national cooperation, and the potential for sharing approaches and lessons across different national and regional contexts.
Organised by
Directorate-General for Maritime Policy, Portugal (DGPM)
International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification (OA Alliance)