In this deep dive into the future of ocean sustainability under new U.S. leadership by The Economist, Middlebury Institute International Environmental Policy Professor Jason Scorse, director of the Center for the Blue Economy shares his expertise and optimism that economic benefits of climate action might lead to bipartisan support.
What can we expect from a Biden-Harris administration when it comes to our public seas and blue economy that’s worth an estimated $373 billion?
The lack of focus on our public seas and coastlines in addressing climate change has been particularly egregious given that the ocean economy is worth $373 billion and that 127 million Americans live in coastal counties increasingly impacted by rising, warming, acidifying ocean waters.
MONTEREY, CA — October 20, 2020 Today, the House Natural Resources Committee introduced the “Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act,” the first bill aimed at using ocean and coastal resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help coastal communities equitably adapt to climate change impacts.
OCEANS COVER 71% OF OUR PLANET AND ARE KEY TO CLIMATE SOLUTIONS.
What does a government agency do when faced with the threat of sea level rise inundating an eight-mile stretch of critical north/south highway (Highway 1), while simultaneously protecting critical habitat of national significance (Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve)? Conduct a study and call upon the experts.
Ocean Climate Action Plan/Blue New Deal gets a shout out: “Last week, a group of activists, scientists, academics and others issued a report calling for policies and other initiatives to generate prosperity while addressing inequity and the climate crisis. They called it the Blue New Deal.”
