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.
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.”
The House Democrats’ report, “Solving the Climate Crisis,” is the most comprehensive response to the climate emergency in the history of Congress. This is a great splash forward that all Americans should support, however it misses key elements addressed in the Ocean Climate Action Plan-Blue New Deal. With additional recommendations from the Ocean Climate Action Plan, we could both meet our climate targets and revitalize our economy from sea to shining sea.
The pandemic has rocked our economy and further destroyed confidence in government. Enter “one of the most active” hurricane seasons on record. Story by CBE Senior Fellow and Partner in the Blue New Deal initiative, David Helvarg.
