Mountains, canyons, plains — these geological features are not only present on land, but also under the sea, where scientists have now charted them in incredible detail in the ocean surrounding Antarctica. The five-year project mapped 18.5 million square miles, and even revealed a new deepest point in the Southern Ocean, a depression lying 7,432 meters (24,383 feet) below sea level called the Factorian Deep. This study and others like it around the world are filling major scientific gaps in our understanding of what the ocean floor looks like, a key part of knowing how to foster ocean health. More mapping also enables us to make an even stronger science-backed case for marine protected areas. If you want to turn this positive progress into action, you can join us today as we call on world leaders to protect Antarctica and secure the largest act of ocean protection in history. We’re close to reaching our goal of 250,000 petition signatures!
Update: On November 30, 2023, countries formally operationalized the Loss and Damage Fund on the first day of COP28 in Dubai, with over $700M committed to date.
The world’s 20 wealthiest nations are responsible for nearly 80% of total greenhouse gas emissions, while all small island nations combined account for barely 1%. But while developing nations contribute very little to climate change, they often bear the greatest burden.
The climate crisis costs communities billions of dollars in damages and claims precious lives. While catastrophic storms make headlines, warming temperatures, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss receive less attention but have an increasingly urgent and costly toll for developing nations. These countries need global support for climate-related loss and damage.
