Why in NEWS

The 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France adopted the declaration “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action”, reinforcing commitments to SDG 14: Life Below Water and addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis — climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

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Key Terms/Concepts

Term	Simple Explanation
SDG 14	UN goal to conserve oceans and marine resources sustainably.
Triple Planetary Crisis	The interconnected threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
BBNJ Agreement	Global treaty to protect marine biodiversity in international waters (high seas).
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)	Designated parts of oceans protected from exploitation to conserve ecosystems.
30×30 Target	Global goal to protect 30% of oceans and land by 2030.
Ocean Acidification	Ocean becomes more acidic due to absorbing CO₂, harming coral and shellfish.
Overfishing	Catching fish faster than they can reproduce, leading to species collapse.

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News Details

What Happened at UNOC3 (2025):

• Global leaders, indigenous groups, and scientists gathered in Nice, France.
• 95 countries supported binding plastics treaty to protect vulnerable communities.
• Emphasis on scientific research + traditional knowledge for ocean governance.
• Focus on implementing BBNJ, reducing plastic pollution, and fighting climate change.

Major Past Outcomes:

Year	Location	Outcome
2017	New York	“Call for Action” against pollution and overfishing
2022	Lisbon	30×30 target pledge (30% ocean protection by 2030)

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Visual Learning: Triple Planetary Crisis Impact on Oceans

             TRIPLE PLANETARY CRISIS
                      ↓
       ┌─────────────┼─────────────┐
  Climate Change   Biodiversity Loss     Pollution
       ↓                ↓                ↓
 Ocean Warming     Coral Bleaching     Plastic Waste
 Sea Level Rise    Species Extinction   Oil/Chemical Spills
 Ocean Acidification  Food Chain Collapse  Habitat Destruction

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In a Nutshell: Memory Aid

🧠 Mnemonic for Ocean Crisis Causes: “COPP”
C – Climate Change
O – Overexploitation
P – Pollution
P – Plastic Waste

🧠 Mnemonic for Actions Needed: “MAP SEA”
M – Marine Protected Areas
A – Awareness & Indigenous Knowledge
P – Plastic Ban
S – Sustainable Fishing
E – Emissions Reduction
A – Acidification Control

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Prelims Practice

1. Which of the following is/are components of the Triple Planetary Crisis?
   1. Climate change
   2. Ozone depletion
   3. Pollution
   4. Biodiversity loss
   • A) 1, 3, and 4 only
   • B) 1 and 2 only
   • C) 2, 3, and 4 only
   • D) All of the above
2. Consider the following statements about the UN Ocean Conference:
   1. Its main aim is to achieve SDG 13.
   2. The 2025 Conference was held in France.
   3. The BBNJ Agreement deals with biodiversity on land.
   • A) 1 and 2 only
   • B) 2 only
   • C) 2 and 3 only
   • D) All of the above
3. With reference to marine conservation, the term ‘30×30 Target’ refers to:
   • A) Protecting 30 marine species in 30 countries
   • B) Reducing ocean pollution by 30% by 2030
   • C) Protecting 30% of ocean and land area by 2030
   • D) Fishing only 30 days a year in vulnerable zones

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Mains Practice

1. The health of the oceans reflects the health of the planet. In this context, discuss how the triple planetary crisis is impacting the world’s oceans and the global responses to it.
2. Evaluate the role of the United Nations Ocean Conference in promoting ocean sustainability. Suggest integrated measures needed to ensure ocean conservation and livelihood protection.

🔁 Previous Year Question (UPSC GS3 – 2022):
“What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India?”
📝 (This is not directly related but reflects international cooperation in sustainability—can be linked to BBNJ, SDGs, and ocean treaties.)

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Answers Table

Qn No.	Correct Answer	Explanation
1	A) 1, 3, and 4 only	Ozone depletion is not part of the triple planetary crisis.
2	B) 2 only	SDG 14 is the focus, and BBNJ is about oceans, not land.
3	C) Protecting 30% of ocean and land area by 2030