LONDON, July 2025 – Millions of people remain unaware of how the ocean helps regulate the planet’s climate, according to new data from the Convex Seascape Survey.
In a study of 2,000 British adults, 66 percent did not know that the ocean is the world’s largest natural carbon sink. Many incorrectly believed that forests or soil store more carbon. Nearly half (49 percent) said they found environmental terms confusing, with words like sequestration, decarbonisation and even carbon sink often misunderstood.
More than two in five (43 percent) said they were unfamiliar with the term blue carbon, which refers to carbon captured and stored by marine and coastal ecosystems. A small number thought a carbon sink was a kitchen sink made of charcoal.
Although public concern about climate change is growing, the research shows widespread gaps in basic environmental knowledge. Still, 42 percent of people said they want to learn more about how they can make a positive difference.
Only 30 percent correctly identified the ocean as a key player in climate regulation, despite the fact that it absorbs around a quarter of human-made carbon emissions and covers more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface.
One in five people believed that improving soil was the most effective nature-based solution to climate change, while 48 percent pointed to forests. Seven percent thought renewable energy meant the feeling of being refreshed after a nap.
Some respondents also believed ocean protection is less important than forest conservation. This could explain why only a third recognised the ocean’s role in slowing global warming.
Why this matters
The Convex Seascape Survey is a five-year global research effort involving more than 100 scientists from 10 countries. The project aims to understand how the ocean’s continental shelves store carbon and how that process can be enhanced. The survey is producing open data that could help inform climate policy and support sustainable ocean management.
“We need to step up efforts to boost eco-literacy in the UK. Many Brits are still scratching their heads over blue carbon. While the term might sound like a fancy material used in an F1 car, it’s a critical environmental process that helps fight climate change,” explains Professor Callum Roberts, lead scientist on the Convex Seascape Survey.
“We’ve known for a long time that forests are crucial for carbon capture, but our oceans — and particularly continental shelves — are often overlooked despite being far more extensive carbon stores. Understanding blue carbon is a crucial part of the puzzle for climate action,” continues Roberts.
While many people want to make more sustainable choices, 30 percent said cost was a barrier to buying eco-friendly products. One third also questioned whether individual efforts matter when governments fail to lead. Some (8 percent) pointed to political inaction, including the United States withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement under President Trump, as a reason for feeling discouraged.
Even those who want to do more are not sure where to begin. Around 17 percent said they would like to volunteer in environmental projects but do not know how to get involved.
Despite this, there are signs of progress. Scotland ranked highest for environmental knowledge, while the East Midlands scored lowest. However, 40 percent of people in that region said they want to reduce their carbon footprint, showing clear interest in learning more.
“The ocean is our greatest ally in tackling climate change, yet many people remain unaware of its vital role as a carbon sink. Education is key to changing this. Through initiatives like the Convex Seascape Survey, we’re not just conducting groundbreaking research, we’re making ocean literacy accessible to millions of young minds. If we want the next generation to protect our seas, we first need to help them understand why they matter” says Victoria Turner, Education Lead for Blue Marine Foundation.
Through a partnership with Encounter Edu, the project has already reached over 14 million students across 90 countries, integrating ocean science into school curriculums.
The Convex Seascape Survey is helping to integrate ocean literacy into early education as one way of bridging the gap in environmental knowledge. In a partnership with Encounter Edu, more “While Britain still has a lot of work to do to fully understand and engage with blue carbon, there is a growing recognition of its importance. The Convex Seascape Survey, through both its science and education programming, is just the beginning of a larger effort to push the ocean and blue carbon to the forefront of the climate conversation,” says Rachel Delhaise, Head of Sustainability at Convex Insurance.
“Despite the high carbon sequestration rates of marine habitats like mangroves and seagrass, their impact is limited by their small area within the vast ocean. In contrast, continental shelf sediments cover vastly more space and are the ocean's most significant carbon store," continues Delhaise.
“You don’t need to be an expert to make a meaningful impact — whether it’s supporting ocean conservation, being mindful of plastic pollution, spreading the word, or just cutting down on your carbon footprint. Everyone can play a part.”
To find out more about the Convex Seascape Survey, click here.