Warming Northern Seas: Climate Change in the North Sea and Baltic Sea and Implications for the Wider Region

Climate change connects marine environments with the economic, ecological and societal resilience of the regions surrounding them. Focusing on the North Sea and Baltic Sea, this panel will explore how changes in sea temperature, sea levels, circulation and marine ecosystems affect coastal communities and extend beyond national and regional boundaries. The discussion will bring together marine science and climate policy perspectives to examine the relationship between global climate trends and local marine conditions. It will consider how climate pressures interact with existing environmental challenges, and what these developments mean for biodiversity, fisheries, maritime activities and coastal infrastructure. Looking beyond Northern Europe, the panel will explore lessons relevant to Türkiye and other coastal regions. Particular attention will be given to distinguishing long-term climate trends from short-term weather-driven phenomena, identifying shared adaptation challenges, and strengthening cooperation through research, marine observation and science diplomacy.