Climate change is a complex issue that is driving countless shifts across the world; particularly it has caused serious alterations in the structure and function of marine ecosystems. The ocean bears the brunt of climate change, as evidenced by changes in temperature, currents and sea level rise. All of which affect the health of marine species, near shore and deep ocean ecosystems. As concerns about climate change increase, the interrelationship between the ocean and the climate change must be recognized, understood, and incorporated into governmental policies and decision-making processes. It is also important to the health of the ocean—and us—that additional threats are avoided, and that our marine ecosystems are managed sustainably to increase the resilience of ocean ecosystems. Climate research has shown that the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere drives the global climate system. The ocean plays a fundamental role in mitigating climate change by serving as a major heat and carbon sink, absorbing around 90% of the heat generated by rising greenhouse gas emissions and taking in about 30% of carbon emissions. This has caused significant changes, including ocean warming, acidification, deoxygenation and sea level rise, with severe impacts on ocean and coastal life and socio-economic status of coastal communities.

The International Workshop on the Effect of Climate Change on Ocean Environment, comes at a critical time as the world is seeking to address many of the deep-rooted problems of our societies laid bare by the climate change crisis that will require major structural transformations and intergovernmental collaborations. To mobilize action in the Indian Ocean region, the Conference seeks to propel much needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of regional ocean actions.