The future of the oceans in the era of climate change
November 11, 2025
By Sofia Aksenova
Climate change has become one of the greatest challenges of our time, radically transforming the planet’s balance and impacting ecosystems, human life and the global economy. The oceans are also not immune to the consequences of this phenomenon, threatening the well-being and health of all who depend on them.
Why are the changes caused by global warming in the oceans so devastating?
It is estimated that the oceans store more than 90% of the heat generated by human activity. This excess heat raises sea temperatures, causing greater evaporation and increased rainfall. At the same time, global warming is melting glaciers and Arctic sea ice, raising sea levels, endangering coastal communities, and disrupting ocean currents that regulate the migratory patterns of many species. Furthermore, as carbon dioxide emissions increase, ocean water is becoming not only warmer but also more acidic, causing coral bleaching and death, along with the decline of key species and the disruption of food chains.
Finally, we must not forget that oceans are an essential source of dietary protein, especially in less developed countries, while the maritime fishing sector directly employs more than 57 million people. In other words, climate change not only affects the health of the oceans and their biodiversity, but also threatens food security and social and economic stability across the globe.
Is there any way to slow down these changes?
It is clear that the only way to break this vicious circle is to radically transform the way we consume, which requires raising large amounts of capital, both public and private. Faced with this need, companies, banks and international institutions are increasingly adopting blue bonds as an innovative mechanism to align capital flows with sustainable development goals and mobilise resources for the conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems.
Blue bonds are debt instruments similar to green bonds and social bonds, but the funds raised are specifically earmarked for financing projects related to water and marine resources. Specifically, these funds can support a wide range of initiatives, such as aquaculture and more sustainable fisheries management, coral reef protection, the development of resilient coastal infrastructure and proper waste management. They also include projects aimed at promoting sustainable marine tourism that minimises environmental impact and promotes the conservation of marine ecosystems. Furthermore, blue bonds can finance critical water initiatives, such as water production and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and the development of desalination technologies.
What will be the future of the oceans and blue bonds in the current context?
Climate change makes projects aimed at protecting biodiversity and marine ecosystems increasingly relevant. Although the United States maintains a critical stance towards ESG standards and sustainable investments, various regional and international organisations are promoting strategies linked to blue bonds.
Among the most notable initiatives is the issuance by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), which has launched its first blue bond worth €100 million to promote sustainable coastal development throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In turn, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and T. Rowe Price have promoted an innovative blue bond strategy to finance marine ecosystem conservation, water treatment and climate adaptation. In Chile, Banco del Estado has sold the first blue bond issued in Swiss currency, while in Peru, Cofide, the Development Bank of Peru, together with the Peruvian Federation of Municipal Savings and Credit Banks (FEPCMAC) and Water.org, has made its second blue bond issue with the aim of improving access to water and sanitation in rural communities.
Thus, despite changes in international trends, countries continue to promote bonds and strategies aimed at protecting marine ecosystems. At a time when climate change threatens the entire planet, blue bonds can be essential tools for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring a more sustainable future.