95% of the oceans is beyond national jurisdiction; no single state has authority. Pollution and litter are now at unprecedented levels, and the oceans are becoming warmer and more acidic as a result of carbon dioxide emissions.

In early March 2023, in New York, the UN member states finally agreed on a treaty to protect the high seas. The negotiations were led by Sweden on behalf of the EU Member States and the European Commission. Sweden has long been pushing for reduced environmental impacts.