The ocean underpins the global economy and provides essential services for life on earth. This vital habitat also plays a critical role in carbon storage and regulating climate. Our focus on the ocean has shaped our research and deepened our understanding of the links between nature and the economy.
The ocean produces over half the oxygen we breathe, influences weather patterns and provides sustenance for millions of people. It's also a crucial part of our infrastructure, supporting 90% of our transportation. Yet it’s under threat like never before. CO2 emissions, acidification and overfishing are endangering its diverse marine life and threatening coastal communities. What’s more, the economic significance of the ocean is still under-recognised and underappreciated.
A few of our ocean highlights
- Since 2021, we’ve partnered with the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) to encourage global action and private finance for marine and coastal natural capital, and promote a sustainable blue economy.
- In 2023, we became the first bank to join #BackBlue, an ORRAA initiative that commits the Deutsche Bank Group to strengthening its due diligence requirements for ocean-related activities.
- During these years, we have collaborated with numerous thought-leaders in the ocean space on publications and events, expanding our knowledge about the pressures the ocean is experiencing and building the case for systemic changes that will bring about a truly sustainable blue economy. Through our thought leadership, we aim to raise awareness of the ocean’s importance to society, the climate and the economy - and its vulnerability.
- Most recently in 2024, we hosted a workshop at the Economist's World Ocean Summit exploring how metrics, regulation, litigation and finance all play roles in building a sustainable blue economy. And how we need think differently about economic relationship with the ocean, looking more closely at company value chains and their dependence on nature. Click to view the key takeaways.
To learn more about the ocean and investing in the blue economy, listen to our podcast or read our CIO report.
