"I research and teach Environmental Law and Law of the Sea here at Aberdeen University. My key interest is how climate change impacts the ocean and consequently affects all our human rights, particularly children’s rights.
"The ocean is vital for the regulation of the global climate as it absorbs and stores the majority of carbon dioxide emissions as well excess heat from global warming. On one hand we need to protect the ocean from climate impacts because of this regulatory function, and on the other hand the effects of climate change on individuals and communities are increasingly understood as human rights threats and violations. In addition, many climate change responses have been identified as threats to marine biodiversity.
"Despite the ocean’s importance it has only been included formally in the international climate negotiations since COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, which is highlighted in this publication which I co-authored. Since then, I have been involved in interdisciplinary research and advocacy with the One Ocean Hub and partners to argue that “ocean-based climate action” must respect, protect and uphold human rights. Especially the rights of children, youth and future generations since they are the most vulnerable to climate impacts and the decisions made at COP28.
"Each COP is a window of opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of the ocean in international climate negotiations, and to ensure ocean-based climate action upholds human rights - however this window is getting smaller as emissions increase and the planet warms.
"In Dubai I will be speaking at and involved in a number of events and drawing attention to children’s human rights in the context of changing climate and ocean."