The IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a changing climate (SROCC) provided the IPCC with the opportunity to, for the first time, assess the literature on climate change and the ocean and cryosphere, including impacts of climate change, projected risks and solutions in the context of these risks. The IPCC Sixth assessment report builds on this assessed knowledge, including on the ocean and cryosphere. 

The SBSTA under the research and systematic observation agenda considers the latest scientific information and identifies future needs and directions. 

Current scientific evidence is mature enough to identify the impacts and risks of climate change and the need to sustainably manage the ocean. Ocean management domains are diverse and all require a range of scientific knowledge and data that can deliver not only in terms of sounding the alarm but also by offering solutions and triggering actions, such as on mitigation and adaptation.

However, further systematic observation and research is needed that informs solutions for sustainable development. Recognizing this need, the UN General Assembly declared 2021-2030 the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development to provide the "Science we Need for the Ocean we Want". 

The ocean provides multiple untapped and powerful opportunities to mitigate and adapt to climate change, provided environmental and social safeguards are met. Science provides the basis for understanding the action needed and must be strengthened in parallel with action moving forward.

Long-term and sustainable funding is needed in ocean observation and research to help evaluate the impacts of climate change on the ocean and ocean ecosystems, address the needs of the most vulnerable countries, and help assess options and opportunities for adaptation and mitigation action.