A blog by Nathalie Rey, Strategic Advisor and Europe Regional Coordinator for HSA:
“European heatwave is worst ever and impossible without climate crisis, scientists say” The Guardian
“Europe’s heatwave linked to 1,300 deaths, WHO says, as Germany hits record 41.7C” BBC
“Record heatwave must be “wake up call” for Britain to prepare for Mediterranean climate, experts warn” The Independent
“Mind-boggling bogglingly crazy’: Europe’s deadly, early heatwave is smashing records” CNN
These headlines were the backdrop, or rather the forefront, of London Climate Action Week which opened on 22 June 2026. There was a sad irony that the event whose mission is to harness “the power of London for global and local climate action” was unfolding against the direct and all-encompassing impact of the crisis it is trying to address. The climate was literally the talk of the town, not only for those attending, but for everyone on London’s pavements, reported hitting 57c, there was no denying the brutal reality of what is coming.
While temperatures like these are normal in some parts of the world, they are unprecedented for Europe. From the way people, infrastructure and buildings were struggling, it was clear we are totally unprepared- especially if temperatures continue to rise as predicted. The worry is that we cannot adapt at the pace needed. That is true not only for Europe but everywhere, and the burden falls hardest on the countries that have done the least to cause it.
The imperative is two-fold: accelerate adaptation, and urgently mitigate further devastating climate change before we cross dangerous tipping points that will resemble a Hollywood disaster movie.
This is where the ocean plays such a critical role. For years, our toxic love affair with fossil fuels has brought us to this boiling point. Quietly in the background the ocean has been absorbing 90% of the excess heat we have produced, but not without severe and potentially irreversible consequences. Ocean surface temperatures hit a record high for June this year, colliding with the earliest phases of what scientists are saying could be the strongest El Niño (some say would better be called Godzilla) event in decades- a warming of the Pacific that drives droughts, floods and storms across the globe. It is not only blowing our minds. It is blowing up the ocean and the planet.
It was therefore incredibly timely that the first dedicated Ocean Hub was organised in London by Kanaloa, 10% for the Ocean and Blue Marine Foundation to ensure that the ocean’s role is placed at the centre of the climate debate, not only to highlight the consequences of inaction, but the huge opportunities that ocean protection offers in tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis.
On Monday, the High Seas Alliance was honoured to round off the first day of the Ocean Hub by co-hosting a reception at Kanaloa House with many of our members and partners. The goal: to keep driving momentum and ambition toward swift implementation of the High Seas Treaty, as the first Conference of Parties moves closer. Our speakers–including Ocean leader President Whipps of Palau, Lord Zac Goldsmith, Hugo Tagholm of Oceana, and HSA Director Rebecca Hubbard– powerfully reinforced that while partnerships got us this far, it will take collective urgency, political will, and accountability to drive implementation and secure our global 30×30 goals.
Music speaks where policy cannot. Performance artist EM The Master reminded us of that powerfully, performing her anthem for the Treaty, “Don’t Stop Now”- a call to nations to ratify without delay. The song is now available on all streaming platforms- add it to your playlist here.
On Tuesday in the stately surroundings of the Guildhall, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and philanthropist and global climate leader Mike Bloomberg warned a packed room that the world is dangerously off track, but we have the tools to change course. Financing will be key, and the Earthshot Impact Assembly later that morning delivered the announcement of a further US$260 million to expand the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, to help close the gap between ocean protection commitments and action as countries work toward the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
As the proud recipient of the Earthshot prize last year on behalf of the Treaty, the High Seas Alliance has been deeply grateful for the support the Earthshot Initiative has provided in accelerating our mission. Its convening power and influence has been a formidable addition to the Alliance’s work. To crown this remarkable week (literally), HSA’s director- Rebecca attended along with all the other Earthshot finalists at an event at Windsor Castle with their patron and Founder Prince William.
Throughout the week, the HSA team ziggedzagged the city from events and receptions, learning about new initiatives, brainstorming action and forging connections that are vital to joining the dots on climate, ocean action and financing. The message at every event was consistent: we know the problems, we know the solutions, and we can’t do this alone.
In his speech, Mike Bloomberg referenced the opening line to Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. The worst, for the climate and energy crisis. The best for the revolution of clean power and alternatives underway. I would add the new High Seas Treaty too as one more reason to have hope for the future too!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the High Seas Alliance or its member organizations unless clearly stated.