Chilean Environment Minister Carolina Schmidt called on countries to harness the potential of the oceans to address global warming.

She spoke on Tuesday (3) at a symposium during COP25, the United Nations (UN) climate conference in Madrid, Spain. Chile holds the presidency of the conference, but the venue of the event was moved from its capital, Santiago, to Spain due to demonstrations taking place in the South American country.

Schmidt said the oceans represent two-thirds of the earth's surface and that its ability to store carbon dioxide (CO²) should be reflected in national targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Researchers told participants that oceans absorb more carbon dioxide than soil. They explained that CO² captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems is called "blue carbon" and that increasing its volume would be an effective way to address climate change.

Chile calls the COP Blue conference and intends to defend its position on the importance of the oceans.

The conference began on Monday (2) with a meeting of leaders from over 30 countries and territories. Participants pledged to act in accordance with the Paris Agreement, which should be implemented next year.

Leaders of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, including the United States (US), China, India and Japan, did not attend the meeting. The US, the world's second largest emitter of these gases, officially announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement last month.