Europe’s Ocean monitoring for climate action will be a prominent theme at the European Digital Ocean Pavilion during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), open to the public from 2 to 13 June 2025. Coordinated by Mercator Ocean International, the pavilion will showcase EU tools and contributions that reinforce Europe’s leadership in global Ocean governance. Each day, the Pavilion will highlight different themes, with sea level rise being a key focus.
On the morning of 12 June, in the INSPIRE area of the Pavilion, attendees will delve into the topic of Ocean and climate, moderated by Karina von Schuckmann (Mercator Ocean International) and Alex Godoy-Faundez (Chile Scientific Committee on Climate Change. Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation & Ministry of Environment, Chile).
As the climate crisis intensifies, the ocean undergoes profound transformations that demand urgent attention and collective action. This session at the European Digital Ocean Pavilion brings together a diverse group of experts, diplomats, youth leaders, and civil society representatives to examine the evolving relationship between the ocean and climate. From the retreat of polar ice and rising ocean temperatures to acidification and disrupted circulation patterns, the session will explore how climate change is reshaping marine systems and the services they provide. Through scientific insights and personal testimonies, including a focus on the Arctic, participants will gain a clearer picture of the ocean’s shifting dynamics and its critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate.
The session will also turn toward solutions, highlighting the tools, strategies, and partnerships needed to build ocean resilience. Presentations will showcase the latest developments in Europe’s Ocean Monitoring for climate action and modelling. Attendees will learn about ocean-based climate adaptation, the promise of digital innovations like the EU Digital Twin Ocean, and the importance of inclusive, science-informed governance.
We are also planning the unveiling of a new, annual science-based tool that will be able to track global ocean progress, so be sure to attend to learn more.
EU Digital Twin Ocean
The EU Digital Twin Ocean (EU DTO) is an advanced digital representation of the Ocean designed to provide comprehensive insights into marine environments. Developed by Mercator Ocean International, the EU DTO integrates data from the Copernicus Marine Service and EMODNet, the European Marine Observation and Data Network, to create a detailed and interactive model of the Ocean. This platform enables users to explore current ocean conditions, analyse historical trends, and simulate future scenarios under various climate and human pressure pathways.
Users will have the ability to interactively access extensive information to evaluate the effects of potential interventions under various climate scenarios. A key feature of the EU DTO is its integration of artificial intelligence to enhance ocean forecasting.
AI Forecast Application
Within the DECIDE area, visitors will have the chance to explore an immersive Ocean Situation Room, which serves to showcase the EU Digital Twin Ocean societal benefit and its support to decision-makers committed to a sustainable ocean.
At the heart of this space is Mercator Ocean’s advanced AI forecasting system, GLONET, which delivers ten-day ocean current predictions in under ten seconds and delivers a 23% accuracy improvement in Ocean current predictions. By simulating “what if” scenarios, the EU Digital Twin Ocean enables users to explore the potential impacts of different climate trajectories on ocean systems and assess the effectiveness of adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Now in pilot phase within the European Digital Twin Ocean, GLONET illustrates Mercator Ocean’s commitment to science-based innovation.
Learn more at the European Digital Ocean Pavilion
Climate change is profoundly reshaping our ocean, whether it’s through altering temperatures, disrupting circulation patterns, accelerating acidification, or impacting ecosystems across the globe. Understanding these changes is important for building a more resilient and sustainable future.
Discover how the EU Digital Twin Ocean is transforming our ability to monitor, model, and respond to these complex challenges. Through immersive exhibits, AI-powered forecasting tools, and real-world scenario simulations, the Pavilion offers a unique opportunity to see how digital innovation is driving smarter, more resilient ocean governance. Whether you’re a policymaker, scientist, or ocean enthusiast, your engagement is vital in building a sustainable future for our coasts and communities.
Check out the full agenda and come visit the European Digital Ocean Pavilion at UNOC3 to explore innovative solutions for sustainable ocean management and stewardship.
This article is part of a series focused on the morning themes of the European Digital Ocean Pavilion. To read about Marine Biodiversity, click here. To read about Marine Pollution, click here.
