# UN Trade and Development has warned that the global ocean economy faces mounting pressure from environmental and political shocks. In its Global Trade Update June 2025 report, the organisation emphasised the ocean’s vital role in jobs, food, innovation, and trade. Valued at 39-quadrillion-rand and supporting 100-million jobs, the sector faces risks from climate change, pollution, and rising tariffs. Ahead of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference next week in Nice, France, the organisation urges stronger ocean governance, green investment, fairer trade, and climate-adaptive marine infrastructure.
UN warns ocean economy under growing threat