News: The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO released the Integrated Ocean Carbon Research Report highlighting uncertainties and knowledge gaps in ocean carbon sink.
About Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
- The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission is a UNESCO body that promotes international cooperation in marine science and ocean management.
- Established in: The IOC was established in 1960 as a body with functional autonomy within UNESCO.
- Members: The IOC consists of 152 Member States.
- India: India was among the founding member states.
- Governing bodies
- Assembly: The Assembly meets once every two years to review work and formulate a common work plan.
- Executive council: The Executive Council, consisting of up to 40 Member States, meets every year to review ongoing work and prepare Assembly meetings.
- Key Functions
- Marine Science Coordination: The IOC coordinates research, services, and programmes to improve knowledge of ocean and coastal areas.
- Capacity Development: It promotes capacity-building and supports sustainable development and marine environment protection.
- Ocean Observation and Warning: It coordinates ocean observations, tsunami warning systems, and ocean science programmes.
- Ocean Decade Coordination: It coordinates the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021–2030.
About Integrated Ocean Carbon Research (IOC-R) Report
- Released by: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
- Key Findings: The ocean absorbs 25–30% of CO₂ emissions, but models differ by 10–20% globally due to limited observations and incomplete understanding.
- Recommendations: The report recommends improving global observations, refining models, strengthening scientific capacity, and promoting cross-disciplinary research.
