Activists took a chilly swim in the North-East Atlantic Ocean this morning to demonstrate the importance and value of the ocean in mitigating the effects of climate change, at Ardrossan Beach, near Glasgow where the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, is currently being held, on 4 November 2021.
The event was organised by the Our Fish campaign, which works to end overfishing in European waters, which apart from securing fish populations for the future, is essential to address the biodiversity and climate crisis.
“Freezing our asses off in the Atlantic this morning isn’t just a great way to fortify yourself for the coming days of COP26, it’s a hardy reminder that we need to save the ocean to save the climate”, said Our Fish advisor Mike Walker, who was one of the swimmers. “Decision makers at COP26 must embrace the power of the ocean to fight climate change – and as the largest carbon sink on the planet, climate action plans must include ending destructive activities like bottom trawling and overfishing”.
How you can help: Save the Ocean to Save the Climate
In Glasgow? Join our COP26 Event: Save the Ocean to Save the Climate – Blue Carbon Breakfast Briefing on November 9th
Today’s swim followers an earlier event in Marseille, during the IUCN World Congress
Download high resolution photographs here.
Photos: Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert/Our Fish